Kyle Dougan wins coach of 2013 award

Swim coach Kyle Dougan got the adjudicators’ nod, and was named Coach of the Year, at the 2013 National Sports Awards held last Saturday night.{{more}}

Staged at the exquisite Spring Garden, Dougan was the choice ahead of the other three nominees in Michael Ollivierre and Garth de Shong – track and field and Nikita Campbell – beach volleyball.

Stunned at the announcement, Dougan told SEARCHLIGHT: “I was surprised, but at the same time I am honoured … It is pay-off for my hard work and even inspires me to do more”.

Dougan also thought that it’s good that coaches can be recognized for their efforts, which adds value to their input to the athletes under their care.

He, however, believes that in St Vincent and the Grenadines, coaching must be seen as an occupation and not as a secondary activity.

Dougan holds that if coaches are made full-time, it would be better for the overall development of the respective sports.

During 2013, Dougan, who is the head coach of the national team, as well as the Black Sands Swim Squad, guided St Vincent and the Grenadines to its first Carifta swim medal through the skills of Shne Joachim.

Dougan coached Joachim into lowering her previous best in the 50m breaststroke, a feat she achieved at the World FINA championships, in Barcelona, Spain.

Another of Dougan’s charges, Nikolas Sylvester, established a new OECS records in the Boys 50m and 100m breaststroke in the 11-12 age category. Sylvester’s new mark was attained at the OECS championships in St Lucia in November.

Still an active swimmer himself, Dougan ensured that his Black Sand Club got overseas exposure, with their participation at the Grenada Annual Invitational and the Barbados National Championships.

Additionally, the club was part of the Barbados Amateur Swimming Association Aquatic Centre Invitational and the Rodney Bay Heights Aquatic Club Invitational in St Lucia. (RT)