Leaders breakfast
Richie McCaw made a huge impression on the 220 people present when he spoke at our sport leaders breakfast at the Alhambra-Union club prior to the test at Carisbrook.
With 21 of our 23 schools in Otago attending, about 110 pupils hung on every word of his speech, based around leadership and his role as All Black captain.
His first statement to the pupils was: "Ten years ago, I was sitting in your seat listening to Taine Randell."
McCaw, who attended Otago Boys from 1994-98, gave a fascinating insight into the All Black leadership model, with the young (and not so young) in attendance taking away some valuable advice.
The All Blacks work on the principles of fronting up each time by setting and demanding standards of the highest order, striving for consistency and looking to create an environment where they play well each week. As McCaw noted, that doesn't always eventuate but the intention is there.
His own mantra is to lead by example and, despite the weight of the commitments thrust upon a national sporting captain, he looks to enjoy the journey to each Saturday and never loses sight of the fun of sport.
McCaw also passed on a piece of wisdom given to him several years ago when he made his way into the All Blacks: be yourself rather than try to be someone else, because that spot is already taken.
After his address and a question-and-answer session, McCaw was presented with a City of Dunedin scarf by Mayor Peter Chin, while Nick Dunbar, OBHS head boy, passed a vote of thanks on behalf of those present.
McCaw then posed for photographs with each of the school groups and a large number of individuals. He then spent time at Otago Boys where he attended the summer sporting blues assembly.
Ice skating champion
Sarah MacGibbon, a year-10 pupil at Queens High School, won the novice women's event at the Dunedin ice skating championships at the weekend.
She has just returned from two weeks training and competing in Australia, where she gained a ninth placing in the Hollands Trophy event held in Sydney.
Otago netball championships
Teams from every school in Otago took part in the Otago netball tournament held recently at the Edgar Sports Centre.
With 54 teams entered from 23 schools, the event once again proved to be exciting and rewarding for both players and coaches. The competition was spread over four grades to cater for pupils from years 9 to 13.
In a rare occurrence, St Hildas Collegiate and Dunstan High School played in the final in both the junior and intermediate sections, with St Hildas proving too strong in both games.
This is a tribute to the coaching and depth of talent at both these schools and is encouraging for the prospects of both players and teams to perform at a higher level.
In the junior section, Wakatipu defeated Taieri College B in the play-off for third and fourth, while in the intermediate section Taieri College reversed the junior result by defeating Wakatipu 24-14.
The B Section was keenly contested, with eight teams, including seven country schools, competing for the trophy.
In the final, Cromwell College proved too strong for The Catlins Area School. The effort of the Catlins team was outstanding considering it can only choose from 25 girls. Tokomairiro defeated Roxburgh Area School for third place.
Section A was always going to be a close affair with all teams striving to be the best in Otago. Columba College and Taieri College were worthy finalists as they both tried to get ascendancy in the early part of the game.
In the final quarter, Columba pulled away to win 22-16. In the play-off for third and fourth, Waitaki Girls High School beat Kavanagh College.
A full set of results, including final placings, are on our website (www.osssa.org.nz).
Country coaching visits
During the past three weeks, specialist coaches in a variety of sports have conducted coaching clinics at the following schools: East Otago, Maniototo Area School, Mt Aspiring College, Cromwell College, Dunstan, Roxburgh Area School, Lawrence Area School, Tokomairiro, The Catlins Area School, Blue Mountain College and South Otago.
This concentrated coaching has proved to be of real benefit to the pupils as they are not always able to receive specialist coaching in their own area. Coaches delivered clinics in basketball, football, netball, squash, rugby and hockey. A similar programme will take place in the third term for winter sports and in the fourth term for summer sports.
Ideas into action
School representatives from Otago and Southland attended a Sparc seminar in Balclutha recently which centred on developing key competencies in the sport and recreation context.
In education, there are many opportunities to develop competencies both inside and outside the classroom. A fun environment of sport and recreation is an excellent way to develop participating and contributing, managing self, relating to others and thinking.
There was a strong message that the delivery of sport and recreation in schools is best achieved by a whole school approach.
In simple terms, this means the involvement of the school community to support teachers and senior students in the delivery of sport in their school.
The development of young people who will become confident, connected, actively involved and lifelong learners is the vision of the new curriculum.
The introduction of sports councils in many schools in Otago has been the first step in achieving this outcome.
Senior management, heads of physical education and sport, outdoor education teachers and sports co-ordinators attended the one-day conference.
Postponed events
Unfortunately, because of adverse weather conditions, two of our events had to be postponed this term.
We now hope to hold the Caversham harrier relays and the Otago secondary schools duathlon in the third term. The dates will be confirmed at our sports co-ordinators meeting tomorrow.
• Calendar
Today: Special Olympics 10 pin bowling, Bowl Line
June 25: Sports co-ordinators meeting
July 4-6: Basketball Y9/10 tournaments, Edgar Centre
July 4: South Island schools synchronised swimming, Moana Pool
July 5: South Island schools clay target championships, Dunedin
July 6-8: South Island schools girls rugby festival, Oamaru
- These articles are compiled by the Otago Secondary Schools Sports Assn Inc (OSSSA) which is proudly sponsored by the University of Otago College of Education.
- Contacts: Des Smith, Otago Regional Sports Director, PO Box 6303, Dunedin. Ph 470 1337 Fax 470 1786 Email: des@osssa.org.nz Website: www.osssa.org.nz
