Huge Gathering of Coaches, Huge Success

Media Release
Immediate Release
Wednesday 30 May

Huge Gathering of Coaches, Huge Success

SPARC (Sport & Recreation New Zealand) is already planning next year's event after its inaugural Connecting Coaches Convention in Wellington exceeded all expectations – SPARC's and the 550 coaches who attended.

The capital hosted coaches from Bluff to Kaitaia, from around the world, and from all levels of sport – grass roots to elite – to celebrate, recognise and reward the role of coaching in our communities through panel discussions, presentations and one-on-one and group sessions at the weekend.

Kaikohe resident and netball, touch and basketball coach Lisa Brophy says the three day convention reinforced the importance of grass roots coaching.

"It was awesome to hear from elite coaches that if we get the basics right in the early stages, they can focus more on the technical aspects when athletes rise to the top of their game," says Lisa.

Wellingtonian and flatwater kayaking coach Mark Watson says it was inspiring hearing top coaches share their insights and experiences, and interesting meeting other coaches from around New Zealand.

"It's been a really informative and positive experience all round. The speakers are from varying disciplines and countries but the theme has generally been the same – sport can be a serious business but it should still be fun."

SPARC General Manager, Sector Development Peter Miskimmin says organising the convention was well worth it.

"We're looking at making this an annual event as the benefits for the future of New Zealand sport are endless. Coaching is the key, so giving them the opportunity to network with each other and learn from the best is how we can improve and educate all levels of coaching."

Keynote speakers included current All Black Coach Graham Henry and Assistant Coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith; renowned youth sports speaker and former NBA player Bob Bigelow; SPARC's Performance Consultant for Coaching and former Black Sox coach Don Tricker; National Player Development Coach for the English Football Association John Allpress; SPARC Chief Executive Nicholas Hill; Manager, Coach and Player Development for Basketball Australia Patrick Hunt; Coach, Author and Lecturer Rod Thorpe; Director of Player Development at Tennis Australia Craig Tiley; and Black Sox Head Coach Eddie Kohlhase.

The event was also an opportunity for coaches to check out exhibition stands with the latest in sport products and services. A popular event saw Suunto launching their new heart rate monitor with a static bike race between top athletes and coaches including Cory Hutchings, Steve Gurney, Fiona Southorn and Robbie Deans – Hutchings was the outright winner with the fastest reduced heartbeat.

Powerade launched its Connecting Community Coaches website, specifically designed for community coaches – to offer them coaching education, resources and methods for helping coaches make connections with other coaches.

Other key sponsors were Black Box Sports and Skins, who showcased their latest innovative sporting products.

ENDS

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