5 days ago
Support for sporty kids
Athlete development expert Dr Craig Harrison is speaking in Queenstown next week. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
An expert in athlete development is returning to Queenstown to help parents of sporty children better understand how to support them.
Dr Craig Harrison, a coach, researcher and speaker who specialises in helping young people thrive in sport, is giving a presentation at the Queenstown Events Centre this coming Wednesday.
The Aucklander, who gave a similar talk in the resort three years ago, blends real-world experience with the latest research in long-term athletic development, child psychology, and performance to empower parents to play a positive role in their child's sporting journey.
Harrison says he aims to help young athletes, their parents and coaches reach a shared understanding of their goals and how to achieve them.
"What we can do to support the young person in what they want to achieve, how long that's going to take, and the types of environments that are going to support that."
Crucially, their day-to-day experience of their sport needs to be a "valuable, enjoyable, fulfilling process".
High-level sport is extremely competitive, and not every young athlete will make it, he says.
"Performance is one thing, but we also have to make sure we're looking after their health and wellbeing, and all those skills that flow into other areas of their life."
'The Sporting Parent' with Dr Craig Harrison, Queenstown Events Centre, Wednesday, 6.30pm to 8pm. Tickets $34.05 via eventfinda
