The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia are to hold a three-day seminar, opening at its headquarters today, on good governance before branching out into sports administration, media relations and leadership and accountability for national federations.

The seminar assumes added significance in the light of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth enhancing its funding this year to 20 national federations of both Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines in an effort to improve their administrative efficiency leading to better performance standards in the sports they govern.

“This seminar has been designed to help these federations get a good grasp of administrative skills in managing funds, accountability and human resource development within their structures so that we can expect good results on the field of action,” NOCC Secretary-General Vath Chamroeun told The Post yesterday.

“We want these federations to be actively involved in ensuring the growth of the sport they are responsible for.”

Gymnastics trials

Several members of the local media have been invited for the seminar in an effort to help them improve their technical knowledge of the disciplines they cover.

“We want the media personnel to get a firm understanding of the sports activities they report. This will ensure credibility,” Chamroeun said.

Meanwhile, under a programme supported by the IOC, the Cambodian Gymnastics Federation has conducted a talent-spotting trial for as many as 30 participants in the artistic discipline from three provinces – Kratie, Kampong Chhnang and Takeo.

According to Secretary-General of the CGF Nov Phonna, four gymnasts from this group will go through a second trial out of which one will be selected for regional and international competition.

He said artistic was a difficult and risky discipline, and that next year trials will be held for aerobic aspirants.

According to the strategic plan announced by President of the NOCC and Chairman of the CGF Thong Khon, similar trials would be held on a regular basis to spot the best and send them to train in China so that they could be better prepared for the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.