While attending the SwimCon conference as part of their scholarship Swimming NSW coaching director Jon Shaw organised a world class experience for 4 Mighty Blue coaches.
Karen Leth (Charlestown), Jenny Balla (Mittagong/Frensham), Tom Sunter (Cranbrook) and Tom Davis (Nelson Bay) got the chance to see some of the worlds best coaches in action with their squads.
This opportunity was over and above the conference itself and the coaches had the privilege of visiting Richard Scarce at Miami and Michael Bohl, accompanied by Janelle Pallister, at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.
The coaches found it an incredible and motivating experience.
Jenny Balla was very grateful to get this additional opportunity “ I gained education in stroke mechanics, physiology, and the soft skills of coaching. Further to that I've enjoyed meeting and talking with likeminded people; sharing the highs and lows along with a lot of laughs".
Tom Sunter said it was “Extremely motivating and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. Thanks to Swimming NSW, sctaNSW and Jon Shaw” with Karen Leth adding "more knowledge shared is more knowledge gained."
Tom Davis thought it was a great opportunity "not just for myself but for us as a group to develop our coaching knowledge and build new relationships with likeminded passionate coaches."
The opportunity for these dedicated coaches to attend the conference was the result of an Expression of Interest process, in which coaches actively applied for the scholarship. The program, undertaken in partnership with sctaNSW, offered four valuable positions, each worth $2000. This funding covered the conference registration fees, airfare expenses, food & accommodation.
Jon Shaw coaching director for Swimming NSW said “It was fantastic to be able to give our NSW coaches this additional experience and I’d like to thank Richard, Michael and Janelle for giving their time to help develop our coaches.”
