By Emmerson Campbell
The 36th annual ‘Teach Them Young’ Cycling Summer Programme which is sponsored by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and conducted by National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohamed commenced yesterday at the National Park.
Despite the inclement weather, 22 young cyclists convened at the venue to learn how to improve their riding skills as well as the intricacies of cycle racing.
The two-hour, five days per week programme which begins at 9:00hrs will conclude on September 1. During an interview with Mohamed after the first day of activities, the Coach-of-the-Year stated that he is happy to share his knowledge with the young cyclists who will be under his watchful eyes for the next eight weeks.
Said Mohamed: “I was very surprised this morning when I came, they had a few cyclists about three or four, but by five past nine we had over 22 cyclists that turned up. What I am happy about is that most of them are young who are now starting to ride and I was also happy that three parents participated with their children and I expect to see them right through the eight weeks.”
Mohamed also noted that with less rainfall he expects the number of participants to increase. “So far I could say I am very happy about the turnout this morning. I know it is going to grow because when people see the bad weather they would stay home.”
He explained that he did not get to do much because the rain interfered with the programme but he got a few of them started with discipline. “I look forward to their discipline, I look forward to their punctuality, how to use the road to come to the park, always to ride on the left hand side and so on.”
The legendary coach intimated that as the programme progresses he will further impart his knowledge to the potential cycling champions.
“As the programme goes on I will teach them things like how to control a bike, how to be seated on the bike, when you are stopping how to look around before turning, how to focus on wheels to prevent spills and other injuries.”
Mohamed also thanked the Ministry of Sport and the NSC for sponsoring the cycling nursery that has produced numerous outstanding cyclists.
“I am happy that the Director of Sport Neil Kumar is very supportive along with the Ministry of Sport all through the years in continuing this programme and I hope I can continue giving results not only to the ministry but to the public and the cyclists who are participating in the programme.”
