VANCOUVER - The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has confirmed its Sport Development calendar for 2007, mapping out a programme of events, specifically designed to raise triathlon coaching standards and support talented and up and coming athletes from around the world. Working closely with their global partner BG Group, a calendar of dates has been confirmed for a series of coaching courses and development camps, as well as events and deadlines for the Team BG Elite Athlete Development Project and new BG scholarship awards.

The Sport Development programme was initially unveiled at the 2006 BG Triathlon World Championships as the major component of BG Group’s partnership with the ITU. Today’s announcement brings ITU’s Sport Development alive with a far reaching programme of activity to support developing and emerging national federations’ athletes and coaches in 2007.

“We at ITU are very excited to be able to offer these programmes to emerging triathlon nations as part of our sport development goals,” stated ITU Sport Development Director, Libby Burrell. “Thanks to our new global partner, BG Group, we are able to begin setting the foundations necessary to build our sport around the globe.”

The new development plans support the ITU’s long term objectives of strengthening its network of national federations whilst establishing new federations to broaden the sport’s geographical reach. The introduction of increased sport development initiatives will support the growth of the sport at grass roots, helping to train new coaches, local club organisers and aid developing athletes in achieving their goals.

“Last year we made a commitment to support the development of triathlon and it is extremely exciting to see our shared vision with the ITU being put into action,” stated Sarah Sizer, Head of Marketing, BG Group. “The initiatives which are in place for 2007 will reach hundreds of talented young athletes and coaches across the world, who might not otherwise have had the opportunity or resources to succeed in triathlon.”

The confirmed Sport Development Programme dates are:

Date* Regions involved Sport Development Initiative Location
March 25 All regions TEAM BG – EADP Mooloolaba, AUS
March 30 Americas Community Triathlon Coaching Course Port of Spain, TRI
April 19 Africa Competitive Triathlon Coaching Course Stellenbosch, RSA
May 11 Africa School Education Programme Richards Bay, RSA
June 9 Americas Grassroots Programme Vancouver, CAN
June 10 All regions TEAM BG –EADP Vancouver, CAN
June 25 Oceania Community Triathlon Coaching Course Suva, FIJ
July 7 Asia Continental Development Camp Subic Bay, PHI
July 7 Asia ITU Level 1 Coaching Course Subic Bay, PHI
August 15 All regions BG Triathlon World Junior Camp Budapest, HUN
August 15 Europe ITU Facilitators Course Budapest, HUN
October 20 All regions TEAM BG – EADP World Cup Belo Horizonte, BRA
November Americas BG Triathlon Continental Development Camp TBC
November Americas ITU Level 1 Coaching Course TBC
November 1 All regions Corporate Triathlon Championships and Conference Cancun, MEX
November 30 All regions 2008 BG Scholarships awarded
December 5 Middle East ITU Level 1 Coaching & Facilitators Course Doha, QAT
December 7 All regions TEAM BG – EADP World Cup Doha, QAT
December Africa BG Triathlon Continental Development Camp Stellenbosch, RSA
*Dates are subject to change. Please visit www.triathlon.org for the most up to date schedule.