Safety in sports took center stage over the weekend as the Antigua and Barbuda National Olympic Committee (ABNOC) hosted its highly anticipated Coaches CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and First Aid Certification Course. The event, held on January 25 at the Multipurpose Culture Centre in Perry Bay, empowered national sports leaders with critical life-saving skills to enhance safety across Antigua and Barbuda’s sports community.
The course, facilitated by the Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services (EMS), provided participants with hands-on training in CPR, First Aid techniques, and the proper use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The practical, engaging sessions ensured attendees gained the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to emergencies during training and competitions.
In his opening remarks, ABNOC President, E P Chet Greene, commended participants for their dedication to advancing sports safety and outlined ABNOC’s strategic priorities for the coming years.
“By strengthening our federations’ administrative structures, enhancing coaching education, and implementing athlete development programs, we aim to build a pipeline of elite athletes capable of achieving podium finishes at future international games,” he said.
The ABNOC has since extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Antigua and Barbuda EMS team for their outstanding facilitation, delivering a professional and highly engaging course. They also thanked the St John’s Development Corporation for their invaluable support in providing the venue, which ensured the smooth execution of the event.
“Most importantly, ABNOC thanks the dedicated participants who saw the value in this initiative and committed their time to enhancing their skills and knowledge,” the body wrote.
ABNOC underscored its dedication to fostering a culture of safety, excellence, and success in sports. This course marks an important step in equipping sports leaders with the tools to support athletes and ensure a safer sports environment. The organization remains committed to empowering federations and athletes, laying the groundwork for Antigua and Barbuda to shine on the international stage.
