The Northern Inland Academy of Sport has split its "Life Skills Education" day into two days for 2019.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The first was held on February 10 at the Armidale City Bowling Club. The second will be held in Gunnedah at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club on June 30.
This day will be held for the Tamworth City Toyota Basketball, Tamworth Services Rugby League, Teys Australia Rugby Union and Inland Technology Tennis athletes who missed the first education day.
This is a compulsory aspect to the NIAS program for these athletes and an outstanding opportunity for them to develop not just on the field, but off it as well.
The day sees professionals present to the athletes about what it takes to be an elite athlete while focusing on their off-field behaviors.
NIAS CEO James Cooper said the off-field education sessions were extremely important to the development of the athletes.
"Our basketball program had a tour on when we held our first Life Skills Education day and the rugby league and union squads hadn't been picked. Thankfully, with the support of the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club we've been able to arrange a second Life Skills Education day so that our athletes don't miss out. These off-field education sessions are extremely important to the development of the athletes," Cooper said.
The day sees professionals present to the athletes about what it takes to be an elite athlete while focusing on their off-field behaviors.
Jake McManus from Pro-active Physiotherapy will talk about preparing the body, avoiding injury and recovery. Selena Chan from Food Smart Selena, is a sports dietitian, Marni Heitbrink from Peak Psychology is a psychologist with a wealth of experience in the sporting world and a representative from Headspace will be speaking to the athletes about mental health and leadership.
Headspace will present at the Life Skills Education day as part of their new partnership with NIAS. This is a perfect opportunity to spread the word to young athletes who can be under a lot of pressure to understand that there are professionals out there that they can seek for help, or just to have a chat to and unburden some of their stresses.
The athletes will finish their day with a training session. It will be the first session for the Teys Australia Rugby Union program.
Athlete profile: Bethany Schulhin
Sport: Athletics
Discipline: Javelin, discus, long jump and triple jump.
Age: I turn 15 at the end of the month.
Hometown: I'm from Watsons Creek
How long have you been involved with NIAS? I was part of the inaugural NIAS Athletics program in 2018, but I have been competing as an athlete for over three years.
Highest achievement: At the start of 2018 I won two silver and a bronze medal at the NSW Country Championships. My silver medals came in the U15 hammer throw and the javelin, while the bronze was won in discus.
Biggest influence: My throwing coach in Canberra Les Bottles and sprint coach Steve Dodt.