Seef District – Bahrain Olympic Committee:Dr Nabil Taha, Director of the Bahrain Olympic Academy, held a coordination meeting via video conference with representatives from the University of Wales to discuss avenues for collaboration and the implementation of the SKIP-Cymru programme, which is scheduled to launch in June 2025.
SKIP-Cymru is a game-based training programme developed by the University of Wales designed to enhance children's fundamental motor skills. The initiative focuses on fostering a deeper understanding of children's physical development and equipping educators with the knowledge and practical strategies needed to implement effective training methodologies.
Structured Training Approach
The programme consists of two key components:
- Online Theoretical Training: This is a six-hour self-paced module that includes videos, animations, interactive exercises, and self-assessment tests. Educators must complete this segment before proceeding to the practical phase.
- Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where teachers apply the acquired skills in real-life teaching environments.
The flexible training model allows for adaptation to different teaching schedules, making it suitable for delivery throughout a school semester or within an intensive training framework.
Sustainable and Long-Term Vision
A key focus of the SKIP-Cymru programme is sustainability and long-term impact. To ensure its continuity, the initiative includes a local trainer certification programme, where selected trainers will be licensed under an agreement with the University of Wales to deliver future training sessions independently.
Research highlights that successful implementation of SKIP-Cymru depends on teacher commitment, integration into the curriculum, and sustained mentorship support. By fostering a strategic, evidence-based approach, the programme aims to enhance children's physical development and promote best practices in fundamental motor skill education.
The Bahrain Olympic Academy’s collaboration with the University of Wales underscores its commitment to advancing youth sports development and enhancing the quality of physical education in the Kingdom.
