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Steve’s Trip to Oman

Life is full of unexpected journeys, and I certainly didn’t anticipate traveling to the Middle East to discuss coaching and training. Alongside former PI trainer and now college instructor Marc Dagenais, I was honored to share our insights with the Ministry of Sport, Culture and Youth of the Sultanate of Oman. Over three days, we engaged with 62 coaches from Oman and Tunisia, exploring both theoretical and practical concepts from Canada.

Marc focused on the latest coaching strategies for youth athletes, while I presented on a range of training systems for coaches. My topics included warm-ups, cool-downs, stretching, plyometrics, speed and agility training, strength development, and energy system training. Having previously collaborated with Marc, we built off each other’s ideas, blending our diverse backgrounds to enrich our discussions.

Initially, I had some reservations about the trip, unsure of what to expect. However, I was warmly welcomed from the moment I arrived. The hospitality was exceptional: I was picked up from the airport and taken to a comfortable hotel, where the staff were always eager to assist. Everyone I met was friendly, caring, and proud of their culture.

On my first day in Oman, I had some free time after my workout and breakfast, so I ventured into Muscat. It was a fantastic opportunity to explore the city, browse the shops, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the Arabian Sea. On the second day, I met the leaders of the Ministry of Sport and toured their main sporting facilities, including the venue for our practical presentations. That evening, Marc and I were taken to a 300-year-old market, the Sultan’s residence, and the historic Al Jalali Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 1580s. The rich history was captivating.

The next two days were packed with workshops from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The energy in the room was invigorating, and I thoroughly enjoyed presenting. Since not all participants spoke English, we had two talented translators who facilitated communication. Each participant wore headphones that provided real-time translations, which was impressive. For the practical sessions, our interpreters were on-site to ensure everyone understood.

After the second day’s workshops, Marc and I were treated to dinner at a beautiful seafood restaurant-an absolute delight.

The final day wrapped up our last workshops and concluded with a closing ceremony. After lunch, we had a chance to explore the countryside, visit another market for souvenirs for Heather and the kids, and learn more about Oman’s history at a museum. We ended the day with another wonderful dinner.

Though the flight back was long, the experience was truly unforgettable, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.

Steve Ramsbottom | BHK, CSCS, Owner Performance Institute

Tel: 604.291.9941

Email: steve@pitraining.ca

Web: www.pitraining.ca