Relay - 2 September 2009
SPARC
Hundreds of Volunteer Coaches Nominated for Awards - 25 Aug 2009
More than 1000 nominations have been received from people in the community wanting the dedication of coaches acknowledged in the SPARC Volunteer Coach of the Year Awards. (SPARC website)
SPARC has released its Outdoor Recreation Strategy - 25 Aug 2009
The Outdoor Recreation Strategy is the result of a process begun with a SPARC-led review in 2007 of the outdoor recreation sector. (SPARC Website)
Sport and recreation to benefit from bonus Lottery allocation - 26 Aug 2009
Sport and recreation will benefit directly from the bonus one-off allocation from the Lottery Grants Board to Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC). (SPARC website)
High Performance Sport
New Zealand receives World Championship flag as rowers win four golds - 2 Sep 2009
After one of New Zealand's most successful ever World Rowing Championship campaigns in Poznan, Poland the official FISA flag - held by the next host nation - was handed over to New Zealand and the countdown to Karapiro 2010 had begun. (Rowing NZ)
The Winter Fern - 30 Aug 2009
A unique symbol has been created for the New Zealand Olympic team to Vancouver 2010. (NZOC)
Final Co-ordination Commission Visit to Vancouver - 27 Aug 2009
The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Co-ordination Commission for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010 paid its ninth and final visit to Vancouver, Canada, from 25-26 August. (International Paralympic Committee)
IOC gives assurances on 2010 Games budget - 27 Aug 2009
The International Olympic Committee has assured organizers of next year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver it will help with a potential budget gap caused by the global recession, officials said on Wednesday. (Sports City)
UK Sport Launches Athlete Insights - 27 Aug 2009
UK Sport has today launched 'Athlete Insights', a project aimed at monitoring the experiences and feedback of athletes on the World Class Performance Programme closely in the period up to and immediately after London 2012. (UK Sport)
McLaren Applied Technologies Announces Partnership with UK Sport - 19 Aug 2009
McLaren Applied Technologies has announced its involvement in a not for profit partnership with UK Sport, English Institute for Sport, Sportscotland Institute of Sport and key GB medal winning sports, to supply Formula 1-style technology to British coaches and athletes in their quest for medals. (UK Sport)
London 2012 marks three years to go to the Paralympic Games - 28 Aug 2009
Saturday 29 August is exactly three years from the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games. To mark the milestone, the London 2012 Organising Committee has announced the appointment of Chris Holmes MBE as the new Director of Paralympic Integration. (London 2012)
Sports Development
New General Manager for Outdoors New Zealand - 25 Aug 2009
Well regarded outdoor enthusiast Paul Chaplow, has been appointed General Manager of Outdoors New Zealand (ONZ). (Australasian Leisure Management)
Giving Back - 25 Aug 2009
Athletes understand the role they can play in society, and how they can influence future generations. But more than that, today many athletes want to give back to sport what it has given to them. (The Olympic Movement)
Whitestone complete IAAF brand strategy campaign - 28 Aug 2009
Whitestone International has completed an 18-month initiative to strategically and creatively restructure the entire IAAF brand portfolio. (Sports City)
A literature review on the participation of black and ethnic minority communities in sport - Aug 2009
In order to inform their policy and practice regarding the participation of black and ethnic minority communities in sport, Sporting Equals and the Sports Councils commissioned the Carnegie Research Institute to carry out an independent review of what is known about this area. (Sport Scotland)
One Hundred and Twenty Countries Have Now Ratified UNESCO Convention - 26 Aug 2009
With the United Arab Emirates, Botswana and Venezuela having completed their ratification procedures, 120 countries out of the 193 UNESCO Member States have now ratified the International Convention against Doping in Sport. (WADA)
Sports Science, Medicine and Coaching
Warm Up, Cool Down - 18 Aug 2009
What about cooling down and recovery? This important aspect is often overlooked – and is potentially the most important part, especially if you are racing a number of events on the track or racing as part of a tour. (Endurance Sport NZ)
Effects of the Administration of Feedback on Performance of the BMX Cycling Gate Start - Sep 2009
The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the administration of external feedback (FB) on the time used to execute the gate start skill in BMX cycling discipline. (Journal of Sports Science and Medicine)
Combined Strength and Endurance Training in Competitive Swimmers - Sep 2009
A combined intervention of strength and endurance training is common practice in elite swimming training, but the scientific evidence is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a combined intervention among competitive swimmers. (Journal of Sports Science and Medicine)
Balancing Power and Speed in Sprinting - Aug 2009
A safer method of recruiting muscle fibers for the development of speed includes the addition of more balance work into the conditioning program. (NSCA Performance Training Journal, US)
New sprint shoes help athletes 'Bolt' like Usain - 21 Aug 2009
EPSRC funded researchers at Loughborough have developed a way to harness an athlete's power by making customised sprint shoes that are unique to the individual. (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, UK)
Sports equipment: how music and video can improve performance - 24 Aug 2009
Young people are typically confident in the use of the latest technologies and since many aspiring athletes are from this age range, sport psychologists and coaches should consider using MP3 technology in their work. (Peak Performance)
Knee stability assessment on anterior cruciate ligament injury: clinical and biomechanical approaches - 27 Aug 2009
This article firstly introduces a management model for ACL injury and the contribution of knee stability assessment to the corresponding stages of the model. Secondly, standard clinical examination, intra-operative stability measurement and motion analysis for functional assessment are reviewed. (Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, Rehabilitation, Therapy and Technology)
Game Day Injections May Have More Benefits Than Drawbacks For Athletes - 26 Aug 2009
Game day injections work like a magic pain relief bullet for some athletes but they may also pose complications if not administered correctly or if the individual does not comply with doctor guidelines, reveals a new clinical review published in the September/October issue of Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach. (Medical News Today)
Kiwi research finds tackling key to injury for rugby players - 24 Aug 2009
The tackle is the most dangerous facet of play in rugby union, accounting for up to 58 percent of all game-related injuries, according to research carried out by AUT University PhD researcher Ken Quarrie in conjunction with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and ACC. (AUT University, NZ)
Blood test can detect brain damage in amateur boxers - 27 Aug 2009
A blood test can now be used to detect brain damage in amateur boxers. Deterioration of nerve cells seems to occur even after a two-month break from boxing. This is shown in a new study from the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. (Alpha Galileo, Europe)
Top Sport Nutrition Myths - Aug 2009
The field of sports nutrition is filled with myths that people follow blindly. This article looks at the top sports nutrition myths, and what science has to say about them. (NSCA Performance Training Journal, US)
Energy drinks: can repeated usage of sports drinks damage performance? - 1 Sep 2009
Everybody knows that achieving maximum sports performance requires optimum carbohydrate and fluid intakes, which is why sports drinks have become so popular. But could the routine use of such drinks actually hinder the process of training adaptation? (Peak Performance)
Active Communities
Good News for Recreational Fishers - 1 Sep 2009
New fishing rules that come into affect on 1 October bring good news for recreational fishers nationwide, says Minister of Fisheries Phil Heatley. (beehive.govt.nz)
Women in Sport: Australia - 25 May 2009
This article focusses on particular aspects of women's participation and involvement in sport in Australia. (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
Government of Canada Announces Policy on Sport for Women and Girls - 29 Aug 2009
The Canadian Minister of State (Sport), recently announced a new Policy on Sport for Women and Girls. Canadians will benefit from a renewed and strengthened commitment to further improve sport experiences for women and girls in their roles as athletes, coaches, officials, and leaders. (Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity)
Strategy aims to get more people, more active, more often - 31 Aug 2009
Fit for the Future, a new sport and physical activity strategy, which aims to get more people, more active, more often, has been launched by Aberdeen City Council. (Aberdeen City Council, Scotland)
Global perspectives on obesity prevention: WHO/Europe presents European experiences on physical activity promotion at major conference in the United States - Aug 2009
The presentation focused on intersectoral approaches to promoting physical activity, as well as on the quantification of the health effects of walking and cycling as a means of transport. (WHO, Regional Office of Europe)
Using pedometers to increase physical activity in overweight and obese women: A pilot study - 25 Aug 2009
This research evaluated whether the daily use of pedometers could increase physical activity and improve health outcomes in sedentary overweight and obese women. (BMC Public Health)
Expected values for pedometer-determined physical activity in older populations - 25 Aug 2009
The purpose of this review is to update expected values for pedometer-determined physical activity in free-living healthy older populations. (International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity)
Even modest fitness may extend lifespan - 21 Aug 2009
People who stay even moderately fit as they age may live longer than those who are out-of-shape, a new study suggests. (Reuters Health)
Muscle mass, not fat, makes for stronger bones - 26 Aug 2009
New findings call into question the idea that being overweight or obese might protect people from developing brittle bones. (Reuters Health)
Resistance Training For Diabetes Prevention Evaluated By Researchers - 26 Aug 2009
Systematic, progressive resistance training - also called strength training - is a safe and efficient way for middle-aged and older adults to improve their health. (Medical News Today)
Psychological, social, and environmental factors to meeting physical activity recommendations among Japanese adults - 28 Aug 2009
The present study investigated psychological, social, and environmental factors associated with meeting physical activity recommendations among Japanese adults. (International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity)
Boomers Revolutionizing Gyms - 28 Aug 2009
As the Woodstock generation rocks into their 60s, they are revolutionizing yet another aspect of society – the gym. Looking to maintain a healthy quality of life, members more than 55-years-old joined gyms over the past 15 years at double the rate of the 35 to 54 age group. (International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association)
Infrastructure
Heaphy Track operational plan 2008 to 2018 - Mar 2009
View the Heaphy Track operational plan 2008 to 2018 - a plan that has been prepared in order to implement the Kahurangi National Park Management Plan in a consistent way across two conservancies. (Department of Conservation, NZ)
University Appoints Architects for Stadium Project - 26 Aug 2009
The University of Otago has appointed architects for the first phase of its building programme to form part of the Forsyth Barr Stadium at University Plaza. (University of Otago, NZ)
Local Builder Wins Sports Complex Contract - 20 Aug 2009
A $1.8 million contract has been let for the construction of multi-code clubrooms and facilities at the Kerikeri Sports Complex. (Far North District Council, NZ)
Europes's synthetic turf industry hits 25 million square meter per year target - 25 Aug 2009
The European Synthetic Turf Organisation (ESTO), which represents 90 per cent of the industry in Europe, announced today that its members had hit an important target as the annual installation rate passed 25 million square metres (2,500 hectares, or over 6,000 acres). (Alpha Galileo, Europe)
Denver's Urban Design Masterpiece - 24 Aug 2009
Part of a series in which the author examines great urban design elements in Denver, such as pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure with plenty of trees and streams which make people want to get outside and take advantage of such a pleasant setting. (21st Century Urban Solutions)
Eight Lessons to Promote Diversity in Public Places - Aug 2009
The following lessons represent the findings of a major PPS research initiative, "Placemaking in a Pluralistic World: Using Public Spaces to Encourage and Celebrate Social Diversity," which was carried out during the summer of 2007. (Project for Public Spaces)
Applying health impact assessment to land transport planning - Aug 2009
This research project draws on learning from New Zealand and other countries to produce recommendations on the best application of health impact assessment (HIA) in land transport planning in New Zealand. (NZ Transport Agency)
The Economic Benefits of Bicycle Infrastructure Investments - Jun 2009
This article highlights the impact the bicycle industry and bicycle tourism can have on state and local economies, describes the need for bicycle facilities, discusses the cost effectiveness of investments, points out the benefits of bike facilities for business districts and neighborhoods, and identifies the cost savings associated with a mode shift from car to bicycle. (League of American Bicyclists)
New Study Shows More Walkable Homes Are Worth More - 18 Aug 2009
A new analysis from US CEOs for Cities reveals that homes in more walkable neighborhoods are worth more than similar homes in less-walkable neighborhoods, pointing to a bright spot in the residential real estate market. Full Report (PDF) http://www.ceosforcities.org/files/WalkingTheWalk_CEOsforCities.pdf (CEOs for Cities, US)
Young People
Infant Motor Development Predicts Sports Participation at Age 14 Years: Northern Finland Birth Cohort of 1966 - 31 Aug 2009
Motor proficiency is positively associated with physical activity levels. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between the timing of infant motor development and subsequent sports participation during adolescence. (PloS ONE)
Healthy Active Youth Key Priority for Canada - 1 Sep 2009
Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in identified key measures last week aimed at increasing physical activity levels in Canadian children and youth. (The Gov Monitor, Canada)
Positive Activities: Qualitative Research with Parents - Aug 2009
Qualitative research was commissioned to explore: the barriers and motivators for parents to encouraging participation in positive activities (sports, creative activities such as dance, drama and music, volunteering, and engagement in the local community) for young people. (Department for Children, Schools and Families, England)
Relationships Between Physical Education Students' Motivational Profiles, Enjoyment, State Anxiety, and Self-Reported Physical Activity - Sep 2009
The purpose of this study was to analyze motivational profiles based on the self-determination theory (Deci and Ryan, 2000) and how these profiles are related to physical education students' enjoyment, state anxiety, and physical activity. (Journal of Sports Science and Medicine)
Swimming Aids Asthma Symptoms In Children - 21 Aug 2009
Research has shown that swimming aids asthma symptoms in children. The activity has been proven to be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for children and adolescents, according to a study in Respirology. (Medical News Today)
Useful Weblinks
Health at Work
The British Heart Foundation has launched its new-look website, which contains many resources, practical tools and downloads to help promote a healthy workplace. The website contains up-to-date information on physical activity, healthy eating and mental wellbeing, plus lots of ideas, practical tools and downloads for the workplace health promoter to create a health club at work.
About Relay
Note the intention of Relay is to include a broad range of opinions. Not all of these are supported or endorsed by SPARC or reflective of SPARC policy. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented here, but we are not responsible for the content of external websites.
How to subscribe to Relay
To subscribe to this newsletter email relay@researchnz.com.
Updated | 15 Oct 2009.
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