Wilburg wants more attention to be placed on individual players
By Donald Duff
Stabroek News
January 13, 2003
Fresh from his three month stint at the Institute of Coaching and Sport Education in Budapest, Hungary, table tennis coach Joel Wilburg is calling for more attention to be placed on individual player training.
"I see the need for more individualised training of players, the implementation of multi-ball training and a greater emphasis on mental training," he told Stabroek Sport.
Wilburg and volleyball coach Levi Nedd were the only Guyanese who attended the Semmelweis sports institute from September to December last year.
The course involved 30 participants from 24 countries and followed a hectic daily programme which included practical and theoretical aspects of various topics such as Sports Physiology, Sport Psychology and Conditioning and Sport Sociology, Wilburg said.
Wilburg said he benefited tremendously from his participation in the programme and would like to share his knowledge with fellow coaches and players.
While in Hungary, Wilburg was interviewed by one of the leading sports journalist who was impressed with the "Level of coaching knowledge and ability displayed by a Third World coach."
The article, said Wilburg was carried in one of the leading dailies.
"The international training course was a well-run, challenging and learning experience for me. I have gained much knowledge which will undoubtedly enrich and improve my ability in coaching in all aspects," he said.
Wilburg and Nedd graduated from the programme with Wilburg attaining 4.5 out of a possible 5.0 score. He obtained the maximum score 5.0 in his sport specialisation (Table Tennis) in both theory and practice.
Nedd delivered the vote of thanks at the impressive graduation ceremony which was attended by the university professors, lecturers, deans along with the Ambassadors of the participating countries.
At the ceremony, Wilburg said the graduands were challenged to boldly implement necessary changes in their respective disciplines and to stay abreast of new technological developments.
Wilburg said he would strongly endorse Guyana's future participation in programmes offered to this country.
He also wants future participants to be briefed so that they can be fully prepared for the programme in an effort to keep the country's flag flying in accordance with the high expectations based on those who have previously attended the course.
Wilburg said he would like to thank the Guyana Table Tennis Association for "its expression of confidence, in nominating me to attend the programme."
