NEWS

ITU confirms development contract with European Triathlon Union

By Erin Greene | 08 Mar, 2016

ITU is pleased to announce it has signed the Development Grant contract with the European Triathlon Union (ETU).

“ETU’s plan was very extensive and covers many different National Federations and projects in Europe, so it is great to give them the support to keep on developing our sport,” said ITU President & IOC Member Marisol Casado. “The plan is heavily focused on fostering the growth of National Federations and developing talent in athletes and coaches, which shows how connected ETU President Renato Bertrandi is with the development necessities of European nations.”

ETU President Renato Bertrandi presented a plan to use the funds offered by ITU to provide development camps in Serbia, Portugal and Spain, as well as training and educational opportunities to promising young athletes with a youth development camp in Hungary and a development team in 2016.

Bertrandi said, “The signing of this development grant contract is a major step forwards for us as we seek to consolidate the work of our Development Committee. The hours spent by our dedicated team has resulted in significant support being offered by ITU. Our plan is focused on fostering the growth of National Federations and creating talent in athletes and coaches. I have carefully listened to the “wish list” from our federations and feel that the way forwards, as presented by the Development Committee, is the right one for us here in Europe. I would like once again to extend my deep gratitude to ITU for the continued support and faith in our work and I look forwards to seeing our new athletes race in 2016.”

The agreement includes support to select National Federations in organizing camps for identifying new talents in Iceland, Slovenia and Latvia, as well as a summer camp with kids in Greece.

The F.Y.R of Macedonia will use the funds to purchase road bikes and suits for young promising athletes, and Georgia will help the National Federation of Armenia organize an international race on the Caucasus region.

There are also plans for Level 1 and Level 2 coaching and Technical Official courses, as well as a coach mentorship program in Finland.