Coaches Converge on Capital

Media Release
Immediate Release
Wednesday 14 March

COACHES CONVERGE ON CAPITAL

As many as 400 coaches from around the world and across New Zealand will converge on Wellington for the first ever SPARC (Sport & Recreation New Zealand) 2007 Connecting Coaches Convention in May.

Coaches from all levels of sport – grass roots to elite – will come together to share their knowledge and experience, but just as importantly, to celebrate, recognise and reward the role of coaching in our communities.

High profile international and local coaches, including current All Blacks coach Graham Henry and renowned youth sports speaker and former NBA player Bob Bigelow, will be on hand to offer advice, insights and share their experiences and inspirations through panel discussions, presentations and one-on-one and group sessions throughout the three-day programme.

SPARC General Manager, Sector Development Peter Miskimmin, views the conference as a rare opportunity for New Zealand coaches of all levels.

"New Zealand consistently punches above its weight in the sporting arena and one of the benefits of being so small is our ability to come together and share our experiences, learnings and aspirations," says Miskimmin, a former New Zealand hockey player and coach. "This coaches convention aims to do just that.

"Coaching is one of the most important areas of work for SPARC – not just because of its importance in our sports, but for the role that good coaching plays in the performance of New Zealand's individual and team sportspeople – from elite and high performance pursuit through to club and community coaching."

Keynote speakers include Henry and Bigelow, as well as Australian netball legend and current Queensland Firebirds coach Vicki Wilson; national player development coach for the English Football Association, John Allpress, SPARC Chief Executive Nicholas Hill and Manager, Coach and Player Development for Basketball Australia, Patrick Hunt.

It's anticipated that one of the highlights of the conference will be the mentoring opportunities offered by the national and international speakers, each of whom have offered to meet individually with conference participants to answer questions or discuss areas of common interest.

"Our goal is to provide a venue for New Zealand coaches, regardless of their level, to gain valuable knowledge that they can take home with them and hopefully apply it to their own situations," adds Miskimmin. "This is an invaluable opportunity to connect with other coaches."

Other speakers include internationally renowned coach, author and lecturer Rod Thorpe, Director of Player Development at Tennis Australia Craig Tiley, Black Caps coach John Bracewell, current All Blacks assistant coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith, and Black Sox head coach Eddie Kohlhase.

For more information about the SPARC 2007 Connecting Coaches Convention (May 25-27) please contact:

ENDS

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