Coaches discuss youth rowing

This year’s FISA Youth Coaches Conference opened with the scene being set for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games. The conference was held in Singapore which is the host city of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games.

FISA President Denis Oswald opened proceedings along with Nicholas Ee of the Singapore Rowing Association. Speakers from the organising committee of the Youth Olympic Games described the holistic approach of the Games.  

The Youth Olympic Games is taking a wider approach than just a sports focus with a culture and education programme running at the same time as the Games. The initiative is to educate, engage and influence athletes on how to be true Olympians. This is in line with the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, respect and playing an active part in their communities.

Apart from learning about the Games, there was much discussion regarding the qualification system for the Youth Olympic Games. The system is still to be decided.

Coaches from 19 nations attended the conference which featured newly appointed youth commission member Guin Batten as facilitator along with Barbara Fenner of the youth commission. Former Olympic medallist Batten entertained the 49-plus participants with stories and footage of her record-breaking crossing of the English Channel in a single.

Australia’s Peter Shakespear talked about setting up high performance programmes for youth and biomechanic specialist Valery Kleshnev, now based in Great Britain, talked about the latest in rowing biomechanics.

The coaches panel included Australia’s Jason Lane and David Thompson from New Zealand. Lane is the senior rowing coach at the Western Australian Institute of Sport and is currently working on a Master’s Degree in sports coaching. Thompson has coached national teams to medals at the Junior and Under 23 World Rowing Championships.

The youth coaching network was expanded and a Training Venues Network established for youth rowers and coaches to visit.

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