Chile stages training camp for young Para athletes

A development programme in Coquimbo, Chile, has identified 33 Para athletes for the future.

‘Para Chile Talents’ was organised by the Paralympic Committee of Chile (PCC) between 8-9 April, with the aim to increase future athlete representation and strengthen the grassroots. Most of the athletes identified are expected to be part of the national teams competing at future events.

Coaches Nicolas Mafio of swimming and Francisco Carrasco of table tennis were in charge of training the young athletes and assessing their performances over the weekend.

“This programme was a success,” said Sebastian Verdugo, PCC head of the technical area. “We gathered 33 young kids from this area and we now hope to continue training with them and have many of them competing at our national events.”

Chile recently competed at the Sao Paulo 2017 Youth Parapan American Games, finishing fifth in the medals table after winning 14 golds, 10 silvers and four bronzes.