NEWS

Talent Search Testing Day

The South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) Talent Search Program is always looking for individuals with the physical attributes that will predispose them to success at elite level sport.

SASI Talent Search has identified many athletes who have gone on to represent Australia at Olympic and World Championship events. These include:

• Hannah Davis – Kayaking, 2008 Beijing Olympics
• Kate Barclay – Kayaking, 2004 Athens Olympics
• Becchara Palmer – Beach Volleyball, Under 19 World Champion
• Rohan Dennis – Cycling 2008 Junior World Champion
• Annette Edmondson – Cycling 2008 Junior World Championship medallist

SASI Talent Search is holding a Talent Search testing day on Sunday 31 August for anyone aged 13-18 who is interested in becoming an elite athlete.  Testing will consist of basic physical and physiological measures aimed at assessing potential for particular sports.

These tests will include:

• Height
• Body Mass
• Arm Span
• Vertical Jump
• 20m sprint
• 20m Shuttle run test

Individuals will be selected for SASI Talent Search Programs based on their results from the testing.

Details of the testing day are as follows:

Date: Sunday 28 September 2008
Time: 2pm
Location: SASI Sports Stadium, 27 Valetta Road, Kidman Park

Please arrive dressed to participate in exercise.

To register your interest for the testing day, please click here and send your name, address and contact number.

Cycling - do you have what it takes?

The National Talent Identification and Development Program (NTID) of the Australian Sports Commission, in conjunction with SASI, are seeking highly motivated females who think they have what it takes in ENDURANCE CYCLING (road racing and track endurance).  If you think you have what it takes, click here.

Talent Development - Talent Identification

The SASI Talent Search program identifies raw sporting talent suited to particular sports, and offers placements in sport specific programs designed to fast track athletes to an elite level.

In any year, up to 8000 South Australian students are tested. Using a variety of science-based testing techniques, other initiatives have targeted specific populations, including females over 18 years of age, siblings of existing SASI scholarship holders, particular population districts and athletes from other sports. The most efficient and cost -effective testing system is a 3-phase system, relying upon the partnership with secondary schools.

Phase 1 tests are conducted by schools and are based on simple measures that are often used to test the fitness of students. The test results from schools are submitted to the SASI Talent Search Coordinator for scrutinising. Promising students are invited to participate in the next level of testing, incorporating Phase 2 tests.

Phase 2 tests may be similar to Phase 1 tests or advanced sports specific tests, but are usually conducted with more advanced scientific equipment, resulting in greater accuracy of results.

Phase 3 is the crucial stage where students who have tested successfully are invited to join a talented athlete program organised by SASI and the relevant State Sporting Association. Specialised coaching is provided to nurture the athlete and fast-track development. The athlete might also be provided with equipment and sport science/medicine support.

The athlete is provided with an individual program structured to their experience and level of development. There are clear and realistic goals set for the athlete that are reviewed on a regular basis by the relevant sporting organisation and SASI.

The South Australian activities are managed through the coordinator at SASI.

For further information
Annette Eastwood
Talent Search Coordinator
Phone: +61 8 8416 6677
Email: eastwood.annette@saugov.sa.gov.au