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Australian Paralympic Committee

Issue 3 Christmas 2005

GOODBYE 2005 — WELCOME 2006!

2005 has been a very productive year for the APC which has seen the implementation of a new and exciting program called Talent Search. The APC would like to thank all of you whom have been involved with the inaugural program and contributed to its success. Since its inception in March 2005, the Talent Search Program has been highly successful in identifying potential Paralympians. There have been 12 days held around the nation which involved the testing of 334 people with disabilities. We have discovered much untapped talent all over the country suggesting that Australia has a bright future in Paralympic sport. We have identified 60 people with the potential to reach the standards for the Beijing Paralympic Games and 132 identified for the London Paralympic Games. It is now vital for our budding Paralympians to set some realistic goals and begin working towards them. Remember if you need assistance with finding a coach or program, please contact the APC Development Officer in your state.

Sydney Talent Search Day

UPCOMING EVENTS International -Torino Winter Paralympic Games, 10—19 March 2006, Italy; -Commonwealth Games 15-26 March, 2006, Melbourne; -FESPIC Games, 25 November - 1 Decem-

Next year the Talent Search Program continues and will reach Western Australia, ber, 2006, Kuala Lumpur; Northern Territory and Tasmania for the first time. Following the conduct of 39 days throughout Australia by year end 2006, the APC aims to have tested 1000 people with There will be plenty of international sporting action taking place in Syddisabilities through the program.

ney during January and February 2006. The events will feature many of The APC wishes everyone a Happy Christmas, and may 2006 bring success and good the world’s past and present Parasporting results! lympians. So if you get the chance, The APC is working with AUSRAPID in developing an effective model for the identifica- check out the following events :

tion of athletes with an intellectual disability. Currently, the Talent Search program is 24 January open to entries from athletes with and intellectual disability who hold a current inter- Arrive alive International Wheelchair national classification. Contact AUSRAPID for further details www.ausrapid.org.au Track Meet

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following athletes who competed at the recent Pacific School Games in Melbourne: ☼ Brendan Hall (1 x G, 4 x S, 1 x B); ☼ Lucy Larsen (1 x B); ☼ Morgan McAllister (3 x G, 1 x S, 1 x B); ☼ Sybilla Austin (1 x G); ☼ Georgie Whelan (3 x G); ☼ To Courtney Harbeck - (1 x S, 1 x B);

☼ Angelique Booth (2 x G, 1 x B); ☼ Sean Russo (1 x G, 2 x S); ☼ Sharni Ross (2 x G, 1 x S); ☼ Dom Hopkinson (U/14 team – silver); ☼ Rachel Coady (U/18 team – gold)

☼ Rachel Horler (1 x G, 1 x S, 1 x B), Rachel Horler has been awarded a D Sport Integral Energy Scholarship for 2006; ☼ Bradley Jones (1 x G, 2 x S), Brad Jones also won a Catholic Education Office Archdiocese award for his performances in athletics and swimming throughout 2005; Don’t see your results and achievements listed here? You need to send these to your NDO contact for inclusion. Including them on your feedback form is a great way of sending them in!

PARALYMPIC MENTORING PROGRAM

Sydney Olympic Park More info - www.nswwsa.org.au or 02 9809 5260

26 January Arrive alive Oz Day 10K International Wheelchair Road Race Start/Finish is at Circular Quay More info – www.nswwsa.org.au or 02 9809 5260 1-5 February 2006 NRMA Insurance Sydney International Wheelchair Tennis Open Sydney Olympic Park More info – www.nswwsa.org.au or 02 9809 5260 8-12 February 2006 Australian Wheelchair Tennis Open Melbourne Park More info – www.tennisaustralia.com.au or 03 9286 1177

Just a reminder that the APC offers the opportunity for budding athletes to be linked with a Mentor through its new Paralympic Mentoring Program. The Mentoring Program aims to support the development of potential Paralympic team members and Talent Search Days: enhance team performances by expanding the skill base and confidence of poten- - Albury (NSW) 11/02/06 - Perth (WA) 25/02/06 tial Paralympic team members. - Narooma(NSW) 04/03/06 Registration forms, or more information can be obtained from the APC website - Brisbane (QLD) 11/03/06 (www.paralympic.org.au), or by phone 02 9704 0526. - TBC (SA) 11/04/06

NSW

It’s been a really busy and successful year for the Talent Search (TS) Program in NSW. We held six TS days across the state which attracted 112 registrations and 55 2008-2012 potential Paralympians! Next year looks to be just as big with TS days planned for Narooma, Wollongong, Armidale, Sydney, Wagga Wagga and the Central Coast. We’ll be aiming to match the number of potential Paralympians identified this year, and hopefully increase it. I’ve tried to contact most of you before Christmas to see how you’re going with training, accessing coaching and facilities and the like. Most seem to be in a regular training pattern with a coach. How much training you need to be doing will vary from sport to sport and will depend on your age. If you’re uncertain of what you should be doing, let us know and we can help – that’s what we’re here for!

VIC

The VIS Talent Search Day on December 3 was a great success with 40 participants taking part at the fantastic facilities available to us at the Victorian Institute of Sport. With the day well over subscribed another day will be held in Melbourne early next year for the participants who registered but were unable to take part due to the limit on numbers. The coaches in attendance were very pleased with about 20 participants being recognised as having enough “talent” to reach the Paralympic Games. Some participants have been very pro active in contacting some of the coaches who assisted on the day and already started training for their new sports. Legendary Frankston athletic throws coach has picked up about five new athletes from the December 3 day.

The first three Talent Search days held in Victoria have been a great success with over 65 participants taking part and 30 The APC Talent Search program will be working closely with being identified for their talents. I look forward to following ACT high schools and colleges at the beginning of 2006. For up with the identified athletes over the next few weeks to more information please contact Katrina Webb (National ensure they are accessing the coaching and sport proDevelopment Officer—ACT). grams available to them.

ACT

SA

Our last Talent Search Day for the year was held in the North of Adelaide in Gawler on December 4th, it was the first of our regional days to be held in SA. Although small in numbers we have identified another two 2008 potential athletes, two 2012 potential.

Coming up over the next few months we will have another Talent Search Day in Melbourne for those who missed out on the last day (Venue, date TBD), then it’s up to Albury/ Wodonga on Feb 18.

WA

The success of the day was thanks to the help we received WA is gearing up for a great year of Talent Search Days right across Western Australia. from Coaches and Paralympians Neil Fuller, Richard Bednall, Eric Russell, Murray Lydeamore, Ray McKay and Sarnya The first Talent Search Day will be held in Perth on Saturday Parker. 25 February. The day will offer participants the opportunity We will be continuing to run regional Talent Searches in SA. to work with coaches from Athletics, Swimming, Wheelchair The next will be in the Riverland Region in February and we Basketball, Cycling, Handcycling, Table-Tennis and Equeswill go to Mt Gambier around April 2006. trian. Large numbers are expected for the Perth program. Registrations for the program are now being taken. QLD In 2005, Queensland ran their first Talent Search Day on the Are you eligible for the program? Do you know someone that is eligible for the program? Sunshine Coast with 24 participants. Numerous clinics and events throughout Queensland in 2005 provided an oppor- Have you/they signed up? tunity for talent identification and referral of athletes to the Talent Search Program. A total of 52 Queensland athletes are currently in the Program. The coming year holds new and exciting opportunities with Talent Search Days being held in: Toowoomba, Brisbane, Townsville, Gold Coast and Bundaberg. Please visit the Paralympic Website for 2006 Talent Search Dates.

Regional sessions are also being planned. Albany, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Bunbury look set to host WA’s regional sessions for 2006. If you know of anyone in those areas who would be eligible, please encourage them to register and go along. The program is set to be a huge success.

SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS FOR EMERGING AND TALENTED ATHLETES

•SASI Scholarship (Individual Talented Athlete Awards) -

www.recsport.sa.gov.au/sasi/ind-talent-scholarships.html

•The ACT Academy of Sport Individual Travel Assistance Grant - www.sport.act.gov.au/development/grants/sractgrants.html •Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association funding assistance - Please contact (07) 3253 3333 for more information •Queensland Academy of Sport Scholarship - www.qasport.qld.gov.au/index.cfm •QLDSW Junior Development Program (applications are due by 06/01/06) - www.sportingwheelies.org.au Hurry…. The closing date for the NSW Sport & Recreation Country Athletes Scheme is 31 December 2005. You must be aged under 17 and reside more than 80km from Sydney. Also closing on 31 December is the Country Coaches & Officials Scheme. This scheme is designed to assist coaches & officials from country areas of NSW access opportunities to participate in educational courses that assist them gain or maintain required accreditation. Application forms and guidelines are available from www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/finance/f_cas.asp. These grants are available only once a year – don’t miss out!

WINTER WRAP

Future Paralympian Profile

With less than 100 days to the Torino 2006 Winter Paralympic Games, The Australian Winter Paralympic Squad brought home gold at the opening event of the European ski racing season – The Europa Cup held in Pitzal Austria 9-11 December.

Katherine Proudfoot (Hunter Talent Search) Nickname: N/A Sport: Athletics Events: 100m, Discus, Shot Put & Javelin. Classification: T/F36 (National) City of Residence: Newcastle DOB: 21/04/1977 How were you discovered? I participated in the Hunter Talent Identification Day earlier this year. How long have you been competing? 1 year—seriously for about 6 months. What does a typical week of training comprise of? Mon - club competition or gym class or nothing (rest day) Tue - local sprint squad training (grass) & gym class Wed - drills & weights (upper body) & swim Thu - drills & local sprint squad training (synthetic track) & gym class Fri - treadmill, weights (lower body) & gym class Sat - Competition or gym or beach session Sun - Training in Sydney for sprints/ throws Competition Experience: So far just Allcomers, DSport and local club comps. I will compete at the state (NSW) open in January and the nationals in February. Secret to success: Enjoy your events, train hard, listen to your coach and want to win. Greatest sporting moment: Getting involved in the Talent Identification and PPP Programs. Lowest sporting moment: I haven’t had one yet! Hobbies/Interests: Athletics, reading & Sudoku puzzles. I love: Spending time with friends, family and my Chihuahua. I Hate: people who are impatient. Heroes/Role Models: I think all people involved in the Paralympic programs are great role models and potential mentors for new athletes like me. Next Event: State open in January.

Paralympian legend Michael Milton showed fantastic early season form by winning the Super G event, coming 6th in the Slalom and 7th in the Giant Slalom. 2004 Word Champion, Cameron Rahles-Rabuhla, just missed out on a podium finish in the Giant Slalom and finished 7th in the Super G. The youngest Squad Member, 18 year old Toby Kane, who won a Bronze medal at the 2004 World Championships, also showed good early season form. Shannon Dallas, the sole sit chair skier in the Australian Squad, came fifth in the Giant Slalom and also challenged for a medal in the Super G event. Emily Jansen raced well and is showing form which could see her become Australia’s first female Winter Paralympian. The Australian Winter Paralympic Squad has eight leg amputee skiers – 6 single leg amputees (Milton Milton, Cameron Rahles-Rahbula, Toby Kane, Scott Adams, Nick Watts and Emily Jansen) and 2 double leg amputees (Marty Mayberry and Cynthia Mitchell).

COACHING ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES

The Australian Track & Field Coaches Association (ATFCA) and the Athletics Australia PPP are conducting a Level 2 Specialist Course in Coaching Athletes with Disabilities. It will be held at the AIS in Canberra on the 28th & 29th January. Day one is a General Principles workshop which is available to all interested people, including teachers, parents etc. Day two is a basic event specific workshop which is available only to ATFCA Level 1 coaches. This course does offer accreditation. There is a great line up of key speakers and more details are included in the flyer that is included with this newsletter. If you are interested in attending and you live outside of the greater metropolitan areas of Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle or Wollongong, you may be able to access funding to help you attend the course through the NSW Sport & Recreation Country Coaches & Officials Scheme. Applications close on 31 December and information and application forms can be found at www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/finance/f_ccots.asp

D SPORT UPDATE It is with regret that we report that the Council of D Sport Inc. on 14 December 2005 accepted a recommendation of the Board of Directors of D Sport to voluntarily and immediately go into liquidation due to insurmountable financial difficulties. Therefore, D Sport has now closed and ceased operations. Inquiries regarding the provision of sport and recreation services for people with disabilities in NSW can be directed to the Department of Tourism, Sport & Recreation on (02)9006 3700.

AUSTRALIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE CONTACTS NSW Amy Winters National Development Officer PO Box 596 Sydney Markets NSW 2129 P: +61 2 9704 0515 F: +61 2 9746 0189 [email protected] SA Karen Fuller APC-SA PO Box 99 Torrensville Plaza SA 5031 P: +61 8 8352 7161 F: +61 8 8352 5766 [email protected]

VIC/TAS Tim Matthews National Development Officer PO Box 277 Collins St West VIC 8007 P: +61 3 9614 6800 F: +61 3 9614 3074 [email protected] QLD Gabrielle Appleton Athlete Development Officer Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association 60 Edmonstone Rd Bowen Hills, QLD 4006 P: +61 7 3253 3333 F: +61 7 3253 3322 [email protected]

ACT Katrina Webb National Development Officer PO Box 176 Belconnen ACT 2616 P: 0419 729 600 F: N/A [email protected] WA Andrew Ridley National Development Officer - APC Sports & Rec’ Manager - Wheelchair Sports PO Box 1342 Osborne Park WA 6916 P: +61 8 9443 4833 F: +61 8 9443 4252 [email protected]

This newsletter has been developed to provide valuable information and updates to those participants identified with the potential to become elite through the National Paralympic Talent Search Program. If anyone has any suggestions for additions to the newsletter, or other stories or information they would like to read, please email Michael Hartung [email protected].

Australian Track & Field Coaches Association in association with

Athletics Australia Paralympic Preparation Program

ATFCA Level 2 Specialist Course Coaching Athletes with Disabilities (AWDs)

28 and 29 January 2006 AIS Athletics Track Canberra, ACT Day 1 General Principles: 9.00 – 5pm Saturday and Day 2 Basic Event Specific: 9.00 – 4pm Sunday Cost: $130 (to include text book) Available only to ATFCA Level 1 Coaches

Day 1 General Principles workshop option also available Cost: $80 (to include text book) Available to all interested in Coaching Athletes with a disability e.g teachers, parents, carers Limited Spaces

Key Note Speakers to include:

Alison O’Riordan (AA-PPP Throws & Coach Education Co-ordinator) Brett Jones (AA-PPP Sprints & Jumps & Emerging Talent Co-ordinator) Louise Sauvage (NSWIS Wheelchair Track & Road Coach) Irina Dvoskina (AIS AWD Coach) Scott Goodman (AA-PPP Program Manager) The Athletics Paralympic Preparation Program is proudly supported by the:

For more information contact: Alison O’Riordan, AIS Athletics, PO Box 176, Belconnen, ACT 2616. Tel: 02 6214 1206, Email: alison.o’[email protected] To secure a place please send your details and a cheque for the required amount made payable to “AA-PPP”, to Alison at the above address.