Following the prize presentation at the opening round of the 2022 UIM XCat World Championship the Officer of the Day John Puddifoot, who is also a consultant on the Youth Development Committee announced that a donation of $100,000 towards the UIM Propstars had been received from His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
The UIM/ FIMC Youth Training Centre, which is the first of the kind in the UAE, was established under the patronage of His Highness, and symbolises his willingness to make the Fujairah International Marine Club a hub for water-based sports and activities for many years to come.
The Propstars project which is the key element used at the training centre started six years ago. It has now evolved into the comprehensive training syllabus with professional training for the future generations of powerboat racing competitors and officials. It is one of the highest priorities of the UIM with its goal of establishing a world-wide network of training centres to ensure the success and growth of the sport.
At the beginning of the course the focus is on the Circuit discipline and training with the GT15 boats. With recent recognition given to the GT10 class it might just be a matter of time before these slightly less powerful craft are introduced.
Then the concept is extended to the Offshore discipline which use the P750 Class. The UIM Propstars training programme teaches competitors and officials of all ages the safe, responsible, and environmentally friendly way to go racing.
Basic Aquabike/Jet Ski Training is also available which offers an ideal introduction to those new to the sport. The instruction provided lay the foundation stones of knowledge which will prove to be invaluable as progression is made towards the Advanced and Competition levels of this programme. Classroom based and on water practical instruction is provided at for each level.
Dr. Raffaele Chiulli UIM President said
In recent years we have seen the UIM Propstars Programme start to attract new young talents who get trained and educated with and by our National Authorities. We are proud to see this increasing interest in many different territories and we encourage our Member Federations and their Member Clubs to set up training centres where the next generation of powerboaters are guided by experts on their way from the junior UIM classes to the senior UIM classes.
I want to ensure that our Union will continue to grow and develop healthily. One of the best ways of achieving this is to build a firm foundation of training centres for our sport. I believe that we can do this, so let’s build a bright future together.
