Cardrona Commits To Snowsport Athlete Development

10 April 2006

Cardrona’s High Performance Centre (HPC) has designed a revolutionary athlete training pathway (ATP) aimed at providing the level of support required to develop future world-class athletes from today’s junior enthusiasts.

Each level of the three programmes within the HPC – race training, ski park and pipe and snowboard park and pipe – has been designed to create a pathway for athletes from five year olds in Hobbits through the ranks to elite full-time training increasing in commitment and competition intensity.

Coaches will focus on developing skills and understanding at each level in terms of goal setting, physical conditioning, skill development, competition tactics and mental preparation.

“The key to this programme’s success is it’s developed in terms of the level of athletes involved,” said HPC director, Jeremy Collis. “Younger athletes will be slowly made aware of all the elements required for a career in competitive snow sports, allowing us to develop them into gaining an entry level understanding. This will then be developed through to the next level the following year as they progress through each programme. Fun and enjoyment is also an essential part of the training, ensuring athletes are kept constantly stimulated.”

A typical progression for an ATP youngster could feature the seven-week Hobbits programme in year one followed by a transition to the Youth Part-Time programme in year two that would introduce them to Interfield racing.

By year three they would enter the more time-intensive Junior Development programme and focus on their chosen discipline with a view to competing in national competitions. Year four could see them as part of the Competitive Team programme, working towards selection for the National Youth Team.

For those truly dedicated to making a career out of competitive snow sports, year five would feature the Elite Full-Time programme aiming for national and international level competition.

For further information, visit www.cardronahpc.com.

ENDS

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