6th July 2011

For immediate release from Triathlon New Zealand, for more information visit www.triathlon.org.nz or www.triseries.co.nz

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Christchurch based Triathlon Coach John Newsom has been named Coach of the Year by Triathlon New Zealand and received his award and recognition last night at a Canterbury Tri Club meeting in Christchurch.

The award is one of a number handed out by Triathlon New Zealand to recognise the work being carried out in communities and clubs around the country, with Club of the Year, Technical Official of the Year and Volunteer of the Year due to be announced in the coming weeks.

Newsom is a well known and respected figure in the sport in the Canterbury region and indeed throughout the country. This came through strongly in the nomination from Dorothy McPhail on behalf of the club.

“John’s contribution to the sport has been outstanding over the past year, not only for his coaching achievements, but for his contribution to the club as a whole,” said McPhail.

“John is involved in coaching at every level from children through to elite. He successfully applied for a number of financial grants enabling a part time Junior coordinator to be employed by the club and set up a Junior Coaching Programme which is working very well providing two training sessions a week for the 50 members of the programme.

“John currently is race director for all the club events in Christchurch and has organized a children’s aquathon as well as incorporating children’s events into the JD Duathlon Series, the House of Travel Triathlon Festival and the Rise Up Challenge enabling the junior programme members to be able to compete in events.

“John has also coordinated the club training programme for the senior members of the club arranging coaches for wind trainer, running and swimming sessions. He facilitated the formation of a running club within the triathlon club enabling members to compete in registered running events in the area.”

All of the work done locally by Newsom is in addition to his coaching work with a number of athletes from all around the world, enabling them to reach their potential. Tributes from these athletes can be viewed at www.coachjohnnewsom.com

Newsom was delighted to receive the award and humbled knowing that the work he loves doing had been recognised in such a way.

“It is satisfying to get this award, although I don’t do it for the recognition, I am involved to see people participating. I have a supportive club down here with thousands and thousands of kids, we are only scratching the surface really, it can only get bigger.

“We will continue to expand our junior programme, the House of Travel triathlon programme will be gigantic this summer, and it’s looking really promising. Otherwise we will carry on with what we are doing and not get too over the top and just improving on everyone we are currently doing.”

The award was open to all Tri NZ accredited coaches from volunteer to club to high performance and professional with a number of strong nominations received from around the country.

ENDS

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