All 32 coaches who participated in the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) Level I course, which recently concluded in New Providence, were successful in attaining their certification.

A total of 10 of the coaches were from the Family Islands including Grand Bahama.

Candidates went through all disciplines in track and field, ranging from running to jumping and the throwing events.

They were guided by lecturers. After the workouts, the candidates were allowed to choose which tests they wanted to partake in.

A practical test of two days was completed early Wednesday morning. Candidates then took their written exams Wednesday afternoon.

Lecturers tallied up the scores from the written exams and graded their final presentation to determine who were successful in passing the course.

With all being successful, they are now qualified to move on to higher levels.

George Cleare, an IAAF Level IV coach and lead instructor, said the course was over-subscribed.

"It was designed for 24, but topped out at 32. Over 60 persons signed up and those who weren't selected went on a waiting list," he said.

"This shows that there is a need for more courses and that coaches want to be educated as well as certified."

The IAAF is making provisions for The Bahamas As-sociation of Athletic Associa-tions (BAAA), with the assistance of the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC), to make room for more clinics to be held to level the playing field throughout New Providence and the Family Islands.

Cleare's goal is to ensure that all schools in The Bahamas attain a certified coach because other countries which made a commitment to the clinics, such as Jamaica, have certified coaches.

He said that the results and benefits of the clinics are shown at their track meets.

"By educating coaches, we hope to recognize more talent and have those skilled more actively involved," he said.

"The more we expose our athletes to track and field, the better it is for us to identify talents and develop it properly to prevent losing prospective stars.

"In the past when there were top athletes, the coaches were from clubs, not schools. This is where our talent from government schools fell off because the CARIFTA team has become completely made up of private school athletes when the masses are in the government schools," he added.

Cleare feels that the IAAF should now arrange quality programs to produce the hidden talent our country needs to be more successful. President of The Bahamas' Track and Field Coaches Association, Dianne Wood-side, also commented on the coaching clinic and the candidates.

"They were an enthusiastic, sponge-absorbing group - excited and determined. They helped each other through the difficult period," she said.

"The coaches became involved because they were interested in developing the talents of kids in the school systems."

Perry Forbes of Club Monica said the course was not difficult because it was very similar to what was taught. Patrice Charles from Central Andros High, told The Nassau Guardian that all persons simulated the process and stages that an athlete goes through.

"Although all the tests and exams are demanding, I am confident that I will pass," he stated before the results were handed out.