UIPM Judges Certification Programme: Hard work and fruitful preparations in Druskininkai (LTU)

As the Pentathlon season prepares to kick up another gear in the coming weeks, the diligent hard work behind the scenes is already in full swing. 

With Lithuania set to be a frequent stop on the calendar for both the elite and next generation of pentathletes, the country’s judging stocks have been replenished thanks to a hugely successful UIPM Judges Certification course. 

Taking place in the picturesque spa town of Druskininkai (LTU) which has emerged as a favoured competition venue for athletes, a week-long course saw a cohort of 41 participants take their first or next steps on the judging ladder. 

Nestled in the country’s south, Druskininkai (LTU) will be a hive of activity later this summer when it hosts the UIPM U19 World Championships and the blue riband UIPM 2025 Pentathlon World Championships, in back-to-back weeks. 

In late March the town hosted a Lithuanian Open Championship which provided a perfect opportunity for JCP activities. Under the tutelage of UIPM educator Agnes Kulcsar (HUN) the 17 women and 24 men completed two days of online theory, another two days of onsite practice and then assessment during the weekend competition at the Lithuanian Open Championship. 

The participants came from the host nation, Lithuania (33), Latvia (5), Ukraine (2) and Poland (1) and encompassed Levels 1, 2 and 3 in JCP qualifications, with all successfully passing. 

Lithuanian Modern Pentathlon President Aistis Baronas said: “We are all very excited about the busy season which awaits us here in Druskininkai. We are eager to build on the successes of the UIPM 2023 Junior World Championships and last year’s UIPM U19 Pentathlon World Championship. But we know the groundwork that needs to be done.

“Our recent JCP course is an important step in those preparations and proved to be a fruitful week. We are so pleased to see so much energy among Lithuanian participants and those from nearby nations. My sincere thanks to UIPM for their support. We look forward to welcoming the world here this August!”

UIPM Executive Board Member for Sport Andrea Dell'Amore said: “Judges play an absolutely key role in our sport, irrespective of the size or scale of the competition. At a major World Championships such as the two events coming up later this year in Druskininkai, it is key to have judges who are up to speed with every aspect of each discipline.

“Thanks to dedicated and diligent work by both UIPM staff and local organisers in Lithuania, we know we have a great base of judges who have been drilled in all aspects of the job. I thank Agnes for her patient and detailed instruction and commend the organisers for their approach with these sessions.”