Ahead of ICF SUP World Championship starting today in Abu Dhabi, the international coaching textbook authored by András Szabó, a staff member at the Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS), was officially presented. At the same time, a pilot training programme based on the textbook was conducted – both were met with resounding success.
“It was truly a great joy and honour for me to participate in the SUP Level 1 Instructor Programme certified by the International Canoe Federation. Thank you for the energy, professionalism, and inspiration you provided throughout the course.”
You probably won’t guess whose words these are. It was H.E. Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, who praised András Szabó following the international SUP pilot training held in Abu Dhabi from October 25 to 28, immediately before the World Championship in the UAE capital. During the four-day programme, HUSS’s educational and research officer delivered theoretical lectures based on his internationally recognized coaching textbook.
The textbook itself was prepared on behalf of the SUP Committee of the International Canoe Federation (ICF), the Dubai-based leading water sports center of the UAE, and the UAE Ministry of Sports, and its presentation was also highly successful.
Regarding the training: delegates from 16 countries – including the United States, Egypt, Qatar, Iran, and the UAE – participated in the programme, and 36 out of 40 participants ultimately received their diplomas. András Szabó was invited to develop the training programme by Sebastian Cuattrin, a four-time Brazilian Olympic sprint canoeist, Global Lead of the Flatwater at the international federation, and Noémi Horváth, Chair ICF SUP Committee.
The prestige of the training and the championship was further enhanced by the attendance of six ambassadors or consuls, as well as numerous presidents and secretaries-general of international sports federations. The participation of local and regional representatives was also particularly important – perhaps a first in the sport’s history – as it represents a genuine regional outreach.
The presence and support of Dubai leaders was a special honor, notably including H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Marine Sports Federation; H.E. Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Secretary for Sports Development & Competitiveness, Ministry of Sports and H.E. Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General, UAE National Olympic Committee.
“The pilot training was a huge success, not only according to the international federation but also the local organizers and the leaders of the Dubai-based UAE water sports centre. There is already discussion about continuing the programme, and I have been invited to develop additional international training materials. I believe all of this is a tremendous professional recognition for our university. I would like to express my gratitude to Rector Tamás Sterbenz, who provided continuous support during the joint course development; to Vice-Rector Csaba Ökrös, who offered substantial professional assistance in the international course and programme development on multiple levels; and to the Director and leadership of the Sports Institute, Dr Csaba Bartha and Eszter Pécs, who supported the project from a professional and administrative standpoint, enhancing the international mobility and coaching structure development of the Sports Institute,” said András Szabó.
