Support for SPARC Approach to Athlete Support

Academies Voice Support for SPARC Approach to Delivering Athlete Support Services

The objectives behind Sport and Recreation New Zealand’s (SPARC) future approach to delivering services and support to elite athletes and coaches through the New Zealand Academy of Sport -- one of the key strategies outlined in its High performance Strategy 2006-2012 -- has received support from the chief executives of the three regional academies.

SPARC Chief Executive Nick Hill briefed leaders from each of the three academies in SPARC’s high performance network yesterday regarding its delivery model, in advance of today’s release of its overall high performance strategy.

The approach calls for refining the current model by moving to a two region (North Island, South Island) delivery structure from July 2007. Generic services (e.g. reactive medical services and strength and conditioning) will continue to be provided where athletes live and train.

Specialist services (e.g. sport science and sport medicine) will be concentrated around the five major centres (Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin). Key service providers will continue to be contracted by the regional operations in order to allow them to deliver services throughout New Zealand and overseas.

New Zealand Academy of Sport Chief Executives Kereyn Smith (South Island), Pete Pfitzinger (North) and John Freer (Central) said there is consensus to continue to work together to ensure that athletes, coaches and sports receive the world leading services and support they require to successfully compete on the world stage.

ENDS

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