Strengthening Impact: Online Course for Evaluators of the Gym for Life Challenge in Uganda

standardised coach education for Gym For Life in Uganda

As the Uganda Gymnastics Federation prepares for the Independence Day Gym for All Challenge scheduled for 9 October 2025, a comprehensive online course for evaluators was organized on 1 October 2025. The course was hosted in collaboration with the Gym For Life Technical Committees at the African Union of Gymnastics (UAG) and the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG). The technical facilitators, all of whom are members of the UAG Gym For Life Technical Committee, included, Marti Heri, Head of Gymnastics Education in Gymnastics South Africa, and Barbara Murphy, Chair of Gym For All in Gymnastics South Africa, Professor Elnady Hesham from Egypt and Gimay Assefa Bethe from Ethiopia.
The aim of the course was to equip participants with practical tools and knowledge to fairly assess the performances and to appropriately communicate feedback afterwards. The course participants included Physical Education Teachers as well as Gymnastics Coaches from across the country including Central Uganda, Mbale City and the Sebei region.

About Gym For Life in Uganda

UGF’s Gym For All program in Uganda plugs directly into the global Gym For Life discipline of gymnastics with the aim of promoting physical activity, community engagement, and holistic well-being. The Independence Day Gym for All Challenge and Festival is a celebration of Uganda’s independence from British rule, and, as such, takes place on 9 October, Uganda’s National Independence Day. During this event, UGF invites gymnastics clubs based in schools and communities to participate in a day of recreational gymnastics, fitness activities, and group performances, with a focus on inclusion, creativity, and physical literacy. It is part of a broader effort to promote healthy lifestyles, through accessible and fun physical activity. Evaluation is key to ensuring the challenge remains safe, relevant, inclusive, and impactful — and that’s where the online course came in.

About The Course

Objectives

The main goals of the course were to:

Build participants’ capacity to evaluate performances in Gym For Life events;

Introduce standard tools and methodologies for assessing Gym for Life performances;

Provide guidance on how to provide feedback to support continuous improvement at the grassroots level.

Key Outcomes

Enhanced Evaluation Skills: Participants demonstrated improved ability to score performances accurately and provide constructive feedback.

Standardized Tools: An evaluation template was introduced to be used at Gym for Life events.

Networking and Learning: Participants connected across regions, sharing best practices and strategies for motivating local groups.

Improved Data Use: Evaluators learned how to use collected data not only for scoring, but to inform coaching, training, and programme planning.

Challenges Faced

While the course was a success, a few challenges were noted:

Connectivity Issues: Some participants experienced unstable internet during live sessions.

Varied Experience Levels: The course had to cater to both new and experienced evaluators, requiring flexible teaching strategies.

Limited Access to Devices: Not all participants had access to laptops which would have enhanced the video-based assignments.

Despite these challenges, overall participation and engagement remained high, and many requested follow-up trainings or advanced modules in the future.

The course was delivered via live Zoom sessions with interactive discussions, video-based practice judging, and peer feedback exercises. Participants also explored the history of Gym of Life in the global context, including the main events, Gymnaestrada and the World Gym For Life Challenge, which bring together teams from across the world.

Evaluators were trained on how to use the scoring systems specific to Gym for Life performances. They took a deep dive into the official scoring criteria— Entertainment, Innovation and Variety; Technique and Safety; and Overall Impression. —and how to assess these fairly and consistently. Emphasis was placed on equitable judging practices, minimizing bias, and engaging participants from diverse backgrounds.

The course hosted over 30 participants from across English-speaking Africa, 13 of whom were Ugandan. Participants brought a wealth of experience from various sectors, including education, community development, and sport.

Following the success of this training, we look forward to hosting a successful Independence Day Gym for Life Challenge and Festival on 9 October 2025. UGF also hopes for a future in which we can host district-level courses and events in order to increase our national reach. This online course marked a significant step in strengthening the quality and impact of the Gym for Life in Uganda.

If you would like more information on Gym For Life or gymnastics in general, please contact UGF via our email info@ugandagymnasticsfederation.com or let’s chat on our social media channels.

Quotes to Remember

“A good performance is not just about technique. Even with simple choreography, a team with creative use of music, costume, props and space can present a successful performance,” Marti Heri.

“Feedback should be about promoting growth, not just criticising technical expertise. Gym for Life should be enjoyable. Be fair but kind and compassionate too,” Professor Hesham.

Impact Beyond the Course

Building the skills of Gym For Life evaluators ensures fairness, consistency, and meaningful feedback—ultimately supporting participants to grow, perform, and enjoy physical activity in safe, creative, and inclusive spaces.