COACHING FOR ATHLETES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22591, 22 December 1938, Page 13

COACHING FOR ATHLETES

National School At Timaru

BIG ASSEMBLY OVER HOLIDAYS

Between 70 and 80 athletes from most of the main centres of New Zealand are expected to attend the national summer coaching school, which will be held under the control of the South Canterbury Sub-Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association at Timaru over the holiday period. The school will begin on December 26 and continue to January 3. The coaching will be under the direction of the American coach, A. L.. Fitch, who" will have the assistance of New Zealand coaches. A full programme, including physical exercises and instruction in all track and field events will be carried out, and there will be sports meetings for members of the school to attend at Waimate on December 26 and Timaru on January 2. It is also proposed to hold a meeting on the last day of the school, probably with a "North v. South" contest.

The athletes will be camped at the Waimataitai School and will be able to use the new cinder track at Ashbury Park, which has been laid down through the enterprise of the South Canterbury Sub-Centre. New Zealand representatives at the Empire Games at Sydney last year are expected to be among those at the school. There are many of the younger athletes registered, andlthere will probably be coaching provided for women athletes as well.

The organisation of a national school on this large scale has involved the South Canterbury officials in a great deal of work, for which they appear likely to be well rewarded. Summer coaching schools have yet to become an established part of the sport in New Zealand. In Europe and America they have been an important factor in maintaining and improving track and field standards.