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Feb. 16, 2006 -- The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has confirmed its Sport Development calendar for 2007, mapping out a program of events, specifically designed to raise triathlon coaching standards and support talented and up and coming athletes from around the world.
Working closely with their global partner BG Group, a calendar of dates has been confirmed for a series of coaching courses and development camps, as well as events and deadlines for the Team BG Elite Athlete Development Project and new BG scholarship awards. The Sport Development program was initially unveiled at the 2006 BG Triathlon World Championships as the major component of BG Group’s partnership with the ITU.
Today’s announcement brings ITU’s Sport Development alive with a far-reaching programme of activity to support developing and emerging national federations’ athletes and coaches in 2007.
“We at ITU are very excited to be able to offer these programmes to emerging triathlon nations as part of our sport development goals,” stated ITU Sport Development Director, Libby Burrell. “Thanks to our new global partner, BG Group, we are able to begin setting the foundations necessary to build our sport around the globe.”
The new development plans support the ITU’s long-term objectives of strengthening its network of national federations whilst establishing new federations to broaden the sport’s geographical reach. The introduction of increased sport development initiatives will support the growth of the sport at grass roots, helping to train new coaches, local club organisers and aid developing athletes in achieving their goals.
“Last year we made a commitment to support the development of triathlon and it is extremely exciting to see our shared vision with the ITU being put into action,” stated Sarah Sizer, Head of Marketing, BG Group. “The initiatives which are in place for 2007 will reach hundreds of talented young athletes and coaches across the world, who might not otherwise have had the opportunity or resources to succeed in triathlon.”
The confirmed Sport Development Programme dates are:
| Date | Regions involved | Sport Development Initiative | Location |
| March 25 | All regions | TEAM BG – EADP | Mooloolaba, AUS |
| March 30 | Americas | Community Triathlon Coaching Course | Port of Spain, TRI |
| April 19 | Africa | Competitive Triathlon Coaching Course | Stellenbosch, RSA |
| May 11 | Africa | School Education Programme | Richards Bay, RSA |
| June 9 | Americas | Grassroots Programme | Vancouver, CAN |
| June 10 | All regions | TEAM BG –EADP | Vancouver, CAN |
| June 25 | Oceania | Community Triathlon Coaching Course | Suva, FIJ |
| July 7 | Asia | Continental Development Camp | Subic Bay, PHI |
| July 7 | Asia | ITU Level 1 Coaching Course | Subic Bay, PHI |
| August 15 | All regions | BG Triathlon World Junior Camp | Budapest, HUN |
| August 15 Europe ITU Facilitators Course Budapest, HUN | | | |
| October 20 | All regions | TEAM BG – EADP World Cup | Belo Horizonte, BRA |
| November | Americas | BG Triathlon Continental Development Camp | TBC |
| November | Americas | ITU Level 1 Coaching Course | TBC |
| November 1 | All regions | Corporate Triathlon Championships and Conference | Cancun, MEX |
| November 30 | All regions | 2008 BG Scholarships awarded | |
| December 5 | Middle East | ITU Level 1 Coaching & Facilitators Course | Doha, QAT |
| December 7 | All regions | TEAM BG – EADP World Cup | Doha, QAT |
| December | Africa | BG Triathlon Continental Development Camp | Stellenbosch, RSA |
Dates are subject to change. Please visit
www.triathlon.org 
for the most up to date schedule.