UIPM Judges Certification Programme: Surf’s up for eager students in Varadero (CUB)

The blissful Cuban resort town of Varadero Beach may be a place of rest and relaxation for most visitors but it was a hive of activity and education in recent weeks when a key UIPM Judges Certification (JCP) course took place.

The three-day course, which ran from May 5-7, was another sign of investment and growth in UIPM sports in the Caribbean region after a similar course in the Dominican Republic last year proved to be equally successful with all participants passing. 

The recent opportunity in Varadero (CUB) was grasped by 25 participants who took the all-important first step on the UIPM judging ladder as 7 women and 18 men pursued their Level 1 JCP certification. 

The course was run under the expert tutelage of UIPM Educator and Technical Committee member Agnes Kulcsar (HUN) and was held in advance of the Pan American Open Championships which took place amid the sun, sea and sands of Varadero Beach from May 8-12. The week-long event saw U15, U17 and U19 athletes compete in Obstacle Triathle and Obstacle Laser Run with the new cohort of judges keeping a watchful eye. 

Rob Stull OLY, President of the NORCECA Confederation, said: “Our focus on ensuring UIPM sports have the support and structure to grow throughout the NORCECA region remains steadfast and I am particularly pleased to host another JCP course in the Caribbean, where almost 50 new judges have been certified in less than a year. 

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to UIPM and particularly to Agnes Kulcsar for her enthusiasm and sharing her expertise in helping this new batch of judges.”

UIPM Educator Agnes Kulcsar said: “We were particularly lucky to welcome a diligent group of new students in Varadero. All involved were eager to begin their journey as UIPM judges, working on their skills and all aspects of Obstacle Triathle and Obstacle Laser Run. I thank them for their focus and dedication and hope this is just the beginning for all of them.”