IPLA in Sri Lanka – Sharing physical literacy and pedagogical approaches.

By Nigel Green, Chair of IPLA.

Nigel Green and Amit Malik were invited to work with two groups of National Sport Coaches and Sports Development Officers from Sri Lanka, both over a two-day period. They shared the concept of physical literacy and pedagogical practices over a very practical and engaging four days.

Physical literacy was introduced the coaches and development officers through a mix of theory and practical activities, but it was the practical sessions that really made an impact. Using simple activities, the concept of physical literacy was explained with the practitioners creating their own games and challenges using a piece of paper, by themselves, in pairs, in 4’s and then in 8’s. A dance challenge, using blindfolds and music, further allowed them to unpack the holistic nature of physical literacy. A reflection on their life journey so far, related to their engagement in physical activity and how their environment, culture, organisation, family and friends had impacted on them, along with work, injury, and family, allowed them to appreciate the unique nature of the concept and what or who had influenced them to value and engage in physical activity throughout their lives.

Practical activities were the key to learn though and sessions looking at the full range of Mosston and Ashworth’s Spectrum of Teaching Styles allowed the practitioners to reflect on their practice and consider how the different styles could impact on their athletes from a physical literacy perspective. Providing examples of each style in a practical manner and then asking the practitioners to work collaboratively to create their own examples, allowed a much better understanding of both the concept of PL and the teaching styles of the Spectrum.

Over the four days, working with the two groups, totalling 60 practitioners, Nigel and Amit felt that they gained a new insight into coaching. The practitioners were challenged to go back to their athletes and try to use different styles and focus on the key principles of physical literacy, tailoring their activities to their athlete’s needs, taking a holistic focus, taking time to reflect, including everyone, varying the activities and challenges they provide, and empowering the athletes to be more in control of their engagement.

It was clear that the participants really enjoyed the sessions and the comments from some of them were very well received. 

From – Sports Officer Konara.

Indeed, the Sports Physical Literacy programme conducted from yesterday to today was an extremely valuable course for us, the coaches. The training methods and approaches I learned through this programme related to coaching will be personally applied by me in the future to the athletes under my guidance, in order to develop a highly skilled group of sportsmen and sportswomen who will bring great victories to our motherland.

Furthermore, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Director General of the Department of Sports Development, the Director of Sports, the Course Coordinating Officer Assistant Director Mr. Wijesinghe, and the trainer Mr. Eranga, as well as all the staff members of our department who created the environment necessary for us to gain this valuable knowledge.

I am also deeply grateful to Professor Amit Malik from India, our neighbouring country, and Mr. Nigel Green, the National Advisor from England, who serve under the International Physical Literacy Association, for their valuable contribution and dedication.

I kindly and respectfully request them to continue conducting such training workshops in the future for the benefit of coaches in our country who lack sufficient sports education.

Likewise, I extend my sincere appreciation to the staff of Sabaragamuwa University and to the lady who devoted her time to provide translation throughout the sessions of the International Physical Literacy Association. I also express my heartfelt thanks to all the gentlemen and ladies who assisted this programme in various ways.

Furthermore, I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to my fellow participants who engaged in the academic activities throughout the course.

I wholeheartedly wish all of them success, and may they utilize the knowledge gained here to further uplift the pride and glory of sports in our beloved motherland.

From – Sandya Kandepola (Coach)

Dear Sir Nigel Green,

I want to thank you for your dedication, energy and genuine commitment to our learning. We loved your coaching passion. Your sessions have not only enriched our knowledge but have also inspired us to apply these lessons in our own lives and future careers.

And want to give my heartfelt gratitude for Mr. Amit Malik for your great support and thank to students from universities for their big hand.