University of Leipzig bids farewell to its International Trainer Course participants

The 2nd International Trainer Courses (ITK) at the University of Leipzig ended with a certificate award ceremony: during this five-month intensive training course, 53 trainers and sports teachers from 35 countries have gained further qualifications - in handball in Arabic, as endurance trainer in French, in basketball in English and in volleyball in Spanish.

The International Trainer Courses are carried out twice per year by the faculty of sports science of the University of Leipzig. The aim of the courses is to create perspectives for people in developing countries and for the world of international sports and thus to positively contribute to the development of social structures.

In addition to the daily intensive theoretical and practical lessons at the faculty of sports science and amongst other activities, excursions to Berlin, internships at training units of local clubs and visits to important sports events constitute regular features of the training course.

Beyond the scope of the training programme, the participants from Africa, Asia, South America and Europe trained at and contributed to various clubs in Leipzig and, entering as guests, succeeded in various competitions.

"Our graduates act worldwide as multipliers within their form of sport", said Daniel Eckert-Lindhammer, who in his capacity as administrative director of the business unit International Relations is responsible for the organisation and implementation of the courses. "During the International Trainer Courses, they receive profound knowledge regarding sports science and training methodology, which they can use to support the sports structures in developing countries to achieve more independence and sustainability. At the same time, the worldwide networking and ongoing exchange with ITK graduates carries a lot of weight for us", he explained further.

This year, the International Trainer Courses celebrate their 50-year anniversary. The network idea will be at the centre of attention also with respect to the anniversary celebration events: during an alumni meeting of several days in Leipzig at the end of June, 20 ITK graduates from 20 developing countries will exchange their views regarding opportunities and perspectives of the network and will draft a concept for their job as future "International ITK Ambassadors of the University of Leipzig".