Vol. 2 No. 2 August 2004 www.ausport.gov.au

$116 million pledged for a healthier and more active Australia ASC leads industry on improving behaviour | ASC greenhouse challenge | Sports Minister urges Aussies to come Full Cycle

Cricket Australia honoured by Ausport Prize contents

02 09 15 From the CEO Sports Minister urges Aussies Milestone for Club to come Full Cycle Development Network 03 ASC leads industry on 10 16 improving behaviour Athens bound The adventures of Barry Cooper

04 12 18 $116 million pledged for a Planes, lanes and uncertainties How skill acquisition research healthier and more active can influence practice 13 Australia New Australian Sports 20 06 Commission web site Australian Sports Commission Cricket Australia honoured takes on the Greenhouse 14 by Ausport Prize for good Challenge Latest sport research shows sports and fair play women outdo men 21 Culinary Survival Around the World

Ausport Requests and enquiries concerning For general enquiries regarding the Vol. 2 No. 2 August 2004 reproduction should be addressed to: Australian Sports Commission:

Contacts The Manager Tel: (02) 6214 1111 Editorial: [email protected] Business Development Fax: (02) 6251 2680 Web site: www.ausport.gov.au/asc/ Australian Sports Commission Email: [email protected] journals/index.htm PO Box 176 Web site: www.ausport.gov.au BELCONNEN ACT 2616 ISSN 1448-3777 © Australian Sports Commission 2004 Email: [email protected] Unless otherwise stated, all photographs This work is copyright. Apart from any Opinions expressed in this magazine Australian Sports Commission uses as permitted under the Copyright are not necessarily those of the Act 1968, no part of this publication Australian Sports Commission. Produced by Australian Sports may be reproduced by any process Commission Publications staff without written permission from the Australian Sports Commission. Printed by Paragon Printers Australasia 2 AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT

767-0006 From the CEO

have been lucky in my three years at Victoria, Northern Territory, South Association and individual national the Australian Sports Commission Australia and Western Australia to pilot sporting organisations are unwavering in (ASC) that the vast majority of my work alternative models. their zero tolerance of the use of I has been involved in positive outcomes This new and exciting program presents performance-enhancing drugs in sport. for the sports system in Australia. the ASC with huge logistical and We are rigid in our pursuit of any Of all the positives, perhaps the most organisational challenges that we are allegations brought to us about illegal drug satisfying was the announcement by Prime working hard to meet. use, and that will not change. Minister John Howard at the end of June The program will see the employment of And that is why the independent of the Building a Healthy, Active Australia 170 physical activity coordinators to work investigator, Mr Robert Anderson QC, program, a large part of which will be with sporting organisations and state and is now turning his considerable skills to administered by the ASC. territory departments to help establish the examining whether the processes For quite some time now, the ASC has programs in primary schools and approved employed by the ASC, the Australian been making a case that the issues of after-school care services. Institute of Sport and other parties have obesity and loss of motor skills among our Initially, about 3250 primary schools been adequate and efficient. kids have the potential to cause serious and after-school care services will be If changes are required to enhance and damage to the health of Australians and involved in working with a wide range of protect the integrity of the Australian sports the sports system in the long term. sporting organisations. system, the ASC and other organisations Together with the support of the sports As well as the obvious health benefits, will make the hard decisions and tackle the sector, including the Australian Football this program has the potential to difficult issues. League, Cricket Australia and Netball provide one of the greatest boosts to Australia, the significance of the issue has the Australian sporting system since the been recognised by the Australian opening of the Australian Institute of Mark A Peters Government and some $90 million of a Sport back in 1981. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER $116 million package, announced by the Unfortunately, not every part of my job is AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION Prime Minister in Launceston, will be spent positive, and the problems of performance- on a groundbreaking program titled Active enhancing drugs have again raised their After-school Communities. ugly heads as our team heads to Athens. In essence, the money will be spent over There has been a considerable amount four years — beginning in the first term of of mis-information published and broadcast 2005 — to establish structured physical in the media about this issue, as well activity during after-school hours. as, more distressingly, a number of For the past 12 months, the ASC has attempts to reverse the normal Australian been working closely with state and process of natural justice — innocent until territory governments in a series of proven guilty. pilot studies supported by the Australian These points need to be constantly Council for Health, Physical Education reinforced; the Australian Government, and Recreation. ASC, Australian Olympic Committee, The ASC had partnered with key Australian Paralympic Committee and stakeholders in New South Wales, Australian Commonwealth Games AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT 3

ASC leads industry on improving behaviour

THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION (ASC) IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE SPORTS INDUSTRY TO DEVELOP INDUSTRY-WIDE STRATEGIES TO DEAL WITH THE COMPLEX ISSUES OF VIOLENCE AND OTHER INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR IN SPORT.

SC Chief Executive Officer, Mark its high profile and community links to take which would be endorsed by sporting Peters, supported by ASC Board a leadership role in dealing with such organisations. The charter would be used members Margot Foster, Michelle complex and difficult issues. to publicise the positive contribution of A Ford–Eriksson and Roy Masters, ‘Sport is frequently exalted as a means sport to Australian society and to met in Sydney in late April with senior for education, health and fitness, emphasise the need for consistent ethical representatives of eight leading sports and leadership skills, teamwork, fair play behaviour by people involved in sport. senior administrators from state and territory and other positive values and virtues,’ Work is also underway to expand departments of sport and recreation. Mr Peters said. research into attitudes and behaviour in Sports represented at the meeting ‘Sport is also an integral part of some football codes into a broader range were rugby union, rugby league, soccer, Australian culture, and as such, many of sports. Australian football, netball, cricket, surf athletes and coaches are seen as Also under review are existing practices lifesaving and basketball. important role models.’ and standards of ethical education and Coordinated by the ASC Sport Ethics Mr Peters said that recent publicity training in sports. unit, the meeting examined the range surrounding allegations of mistreatment of views from within the industry, and misconduct involving women had discussed existing research, Resources to address and analysed existing and ‘Sport is … an integral part of sport issues proposed strategies for Australian culture, and as such, dealing with behavioural The ASC has a range of policies, issues. many athletes and coaches are seen procedures, codes, guidelines, courses The meeting acknowledged as important role models.’ and educational material to help those in that while inappropriate the sports industry address issues of behaviour was clearly a societal problem, resulted in questions being raised harassment, abuse, discrimination and recent incidents involving some high-profile about whether sport was engendering poor sportsmanship. These resources players in football codes had prompted the and/or tolerating violent and other are targeted at athletes, players, industry to look more closely at existing inappropriate cultures. coaches, parents, spectators, officials, codes of conduct, ethical education and He described the meeting as a valuable clubs, administrators, teachers and the training in sport, and the possible need for forum for sharing the experiences and media. Full text resources on harassment a re-statement or codifying of the positive strategies of various sporting codes and for guidelines, codes of behaviour, values that sport brings to society. understanding the role that could be played sportsmanship and racial vilification are Mr Peters said that the unique position of by the sports industry as a whole. available at www.ausport.gov.au/info/ sport in Australian life provided an The Sport Ethics unit is working to topics/ethics.asp ■ opportunity for the sports industry to use finalise a charter of sporting values, 4 AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT $116 million pledged for a healthier and more active

THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT either develop healthy exercise habits or sink She stressed that the ASC believed the HAS LAUNCHED A FOUR-YEAR into the lethargy of screen-based activities. program should be inclusive, taking in $116 MILLION CAMPAIGN TO REDUCE She says modern society stacks the odds organisations that already run after-school OBESITY AMONG THE COUNTRY’S in favour of indoor sedentary pursuits. programs and deal with child health. YOUTH. THE MOVE IS IN RESPONSE TO ‘There is much less opportunity for children ‘The last thing we want to do is to rob DISTURBING DATA THAT INDICATE to be involved in what was once the normal Peter to pay Paul,’ she said. ‘Our program CHILDREN ARE INCREASINGLY practice of going down to the park to is free, and obviously people who are ABANDONING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND play with friends, actively playing in the currently paying for something are going ORGANISED SPORT FOR THE backyard or riding a bike to and from to gravitate to it, so we have to work out COMPUTER OR TELEVISION SCREEN. school,’ she said. ways to ensure no one is disadvantaged.’ Parents are increasingly concerned about Other components of the Australian purred by information that shows the safety of their children. As well as a Government package are: obesity rates soaring and an crowded school curriculum, two parents • A minimum of two hours a week of almost tripling of cases of type 2 working and changes to working hours, physical education in primary and junior Sdiabetes in the past 15 years, there is the fact that backyards are getting secondary schools — a requirement Prime Minister John Howard has announced smaller, and apartment living is on the rise, tied to Australian Government funding the Building a Healthy, Active Australia meaning there are reduced opportunities for schools. initiative. Focusing on children, the initiative for active play at home. • A healthy eating initiative that will make recognises that a balance is needed After studies over the last 18 months and grants to community organisations between nutrition and physical activity if we a pilot program run in conjunction with to provide alternatives to the chips are to help children live and learn better, and VicHealth, the ASC decided that after and pies that many school canteens grow to be more healthy and active adults. school was an ideal time to promote currently stock. The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) physical activity for children. ‘There is • A national advertising campaign providing will play a leading role in the initiative, with scope to get kids involved in physical information on how to achieve healthy a $90 million campaign, called the Active activity, while at the same time supporting and active lifestyles, including nutrition, After-school Communities program, aimed working families,’ Ms Flanagan said. diet and physical activity. at encouraging children to take part in ‘It also has the effect of promoting Ms Flanagan said the ASC would be after-school physical activity. community cohesion because we want local working closely with Australian Government The ASC’s Manager of the National Junior organisations, such as sporting clubs and departments including the Departments of Sport program, Judy Flanagan, believes this other individuals and groups, to provide Health and Ageing, Education, Science and is a crucial time when younger children can activities for children to engage in.’ Training, and Family and Community Services to ensure the delivery of an integrated package. ‘There will be a national management committee involving all the major partners to make sure our direction is not just focused on physical activity, but also takes in all other components,’ she said. Beginning in the second week of term one in 2005, and initially targeting 150,000 children nationally, the ASC has the task of establishing a national framework for the strategy. Regional coordinators will work with 04079-06 689-0018 clusters of up to 20 schools, identifying AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT 5

BY GRAHAM COOKE Australia

needs and resources, and liaising with the schools for their ideas on the programs to be delivered. ‘We have been getting a very positive response already from schools and state and territory governments. ‘Obviously the target of 150,000 children is not going to reach all children in Australia and we will be looking at partnerships with the states and territories, and sporting organisations, to extend the reach of the initiative.’ The Australian Football League, Cricket Australia and Netball Australia have also been strong advocates for the program and have offered resources and expertise to assist with its implementation. A number of national sporting organisations, including the Australian Rugby Union and Australian Rugby League, have expressed interest in partnering with the ASC to support the after-school initiative. A successful program will certainly provide a rich harvest of recruits for their own weekend activities. Ms Flanagan said action was overdue. ‘The Prime Minister has already pointed out the paradox of Australia being one of the world’s great sport-loving nations, alongside this really huge issue of overweight, obese and less mobile kids — and indeed adults,’ she said. ‘The figures are alarming when you consider that the instance of type 2 diabetes has doubled and is now on the way to tripling in just 15 years. It has been identified in kids as young as four or five. 759-0444 ‘We have one of the best environments in the world for physical activity, yet the statistics are showing that if we keep going overweight early in life, their chances of but has suffered from a decline in at this rate, by 2020 one-third of children gaining and maintaining a healthy weight in participation in organised sport in recent under 18 will be overweight and the figures adulthood are reduced by over 50 per cent,’ years. This program has the capacity to will continue to rise dramatically, placing she said. promote and grow local communities and pressure on our health system and Australia’s sporting system, including both their sporting infrastructures, which have increasing our medical expenses. the participation and elite pathways, has always been the backbone of Australia as ‘If children and young people become been the envy of many other countries a sporting nation. ■ 6 AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT

Cricket Australia’s Graeme Vimpani with all of the finalists and winners across the ten categories of the 2004 Ausport Awards. Cricket Australia honoured by Ausport Prize for good sports and fair play

THE 2004 AUSPORT AWARDS PRAISED CRICKET AUSTRALIA FOR ITS SPIRITED NATIONAL CAMPAIGN IN CHAMPIONING GOOD SPORTS AND FAIR PLAY.

ricket Australia won the ensure the spirit of the game stays alive,’ prestigious Ausport Prize, Mr Peters said. ‘Cricket Australia has made recognising its outstanding a significant contribution to an ongoing Ccontribution to the health and national campaign to promote the integrity, growth of Australian sport. Cricket Australia good sports and fair play of Australian sport.’ was judged the best of ten Ausport Awards The Spirit of Cricket promoted and upheld categories out of a strong and diverse field the enduring spirit, traditions and values of of contestants. the game. This involved educating the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) CEO cricket fraternity — players, coaches, fans, Mark Peters congratulated Cricket Australia umpires, officials and stakeholders — not for its leading initiative in promoting the only about the laws of the game, but about Graeme Vimpani from Cricket Australia accepted the Spirit of Cricket campaign during the Year of the way it should be played. overall Ausport Prize from the Hon. Bruce Baird MP the Official in 2003. ‘The Spirit of Cricket By the end of the 2003–04 season, the for its Spirit of Cricket nomination — seen by the judges as the most outstanding achievement in the campaign has had a positive influence on International Cricket Council reported that 2004 Ausport Awards. the conduct of players and participants to the on-field behaviour of Australian players AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT 7

was exemplary and a good example of how Linkage Awards — Tullawong State School promoting its national education program to play the game. This spirit filtered through and Casterton Secondary College — deliver for schools, which creates fun, safe and cricket’s culture from international test to a broad range of inclusive sporting challenging sport experiences for young club levels. Players and teams have been activities for students, with close links to Australians. By the end of 2003, EdRugby recognised through the Benaud Spirit of local sporting clubs and associations. was delivered in more than 1000 schools, Cricket Awards for their good conduct and Tullawong State School runs programs in inspiring young players to embrace the fair play throughout Australian cricket. soccer, netball, rugby league and touch sport’s values of pride, teamwork and Winners of the 2004 Ausport Awards football during winter, and cricket, softball tradition. It was a leading vehicle to were announced at the Australian and basketball in summer. All students showcase the game to young Australians Council for Health, Physical Education participate in athletics and cross-country during the 2003 Rugby World Cup. and Recreation’s national conference, running. Students are introduced to In the Rural and Regional category, Kolan Keeping the Dream Alive. modified games in Year 4 and can Shire Council was recognised for the The 2004 Ausport Awards recognise and progress through to competitive sport planning and development of a number of reward the achievements, success stories in Years 5, 6 and 7 if they choose. purpose-built sporting and recreational and best practice of individuals and groups The school established the Tullawong facilities for its local community of about within the Australian sporting system. Sports Development Centre to boost 5000 people. Major initiatives included a Improving participation in sport at all the sporting skills and abilities of its multisport facility housing tennis and levels is a key objective of the Australian students, including those with disabilities. basketball courts, a combined skate and Government’s sports policy, Backing Tullawong has established pathways for BMX park, a fishing and skiing venue at Australia’s Sporting Ability: a more students to participate in sporting clubs Lake Monduran Recreational Facility, active Australia. and associations. walking trails and a community health plan ASC CEO Mark Peters congratulated the Casterton Secondary College also with Griffith University. winners of the 2004 Ausport Awards, all of encourages students to get involved in The winner of the National Sporting whom have made a major contribution to organised sport. It offers compulsory Organisation Community Sport Award — the health and growth of Australian sport. sporting activities for its students during at Basketball Australia — is making a ‘We are delighted by the strong field of least two lunchtimes a semester. Students difference in the sporting community by entries — sporting clubs, community can choose from a diverse range of areas improving its management performance and groups, schools, and national and state including a coaching unit in Year 10 to meeting the needs of its members. sporting organisations — all dedicated to achieve Level 0 qualifications, pathways to Basketball Australia introduced an online building a strong, robust and vibrant base Casterton Golf Course and the local resource for clubs to manage their web for Australian sport,’ Mr Peters said. swimming club, and education and safety sites, competition and database modules, Schools are fertile ground for nurturing courses in cycling and water sports. and a customer service manual to guide the sporting skills and abilities of young Winner of the Junior Sport Award — the and support its members and volunteers at students. Winners of the School–Club Australian Rugby Union — was credited for local, state and national levels. >

Stephen Pewtress, son of the late Margaret Pewtress, was on hand to present the 2004 Margaret Pewtress Basketball Australia’s CEO Scott Derwin accepts the Margo Koskelainen — the winner of the Officials Memorial Award for contribution to women in sport, National Sporting Organisation Community Sport Development Award — accepts the award from the which was awarded to joint winners, Dr Grace Bryant Award from ASC CEO Mark Peters. ASC’s Brent Espeland. and Johanna Vescio. 8 AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT

Basketball Australia was an ardent supporter of 2003 Year of the Official, promoting respect and recognition for 2004 Ausport Award winners officials through initiatives such as an officials scholarship, the launch of the Club Development Award School–Club Linkage Award — Official Word newsletter, the Basketball Maroubra Swimming Club Inc. Secondary League Referee Educational Series and a Highly commended Casterton Secondary College Fair Play Award. Cumberland United Soccer Club Inc. Highly commended Maroubra Swimming Club was Emerald Rams Rugby Union Club Kensington Centre Sport Unit acknowledged for its model example of club Flora Hill Secondary College management. The winner of the Club National Sporting Organisation Development Award, it was rated highly for Performance Award Rural and Regional Award its best practice in setting a strategic plan Cricket Australia Kolan Shire Council and direction for the club. Highly commended Highly commended The development and growth of the Australian sports system also benefited Tennis Australia Tennis West from the wealth and experience of its officials Australian Rugby Union Texas State School and Texas and coaches. Margo Koskelainen OAM, winner Multipurpose Health of the Officials Development Award, has National Sporting Organisation been dedicated to the development of Community Sport Award Margaret Pewtress Memorial Award softball umpiring in Australia for more than Basketball Australia Dr Grace Bryant ASM and 20 years. She has made a significant Highly commended Johanna Vescio ASM contribution to advancing the interests of Cricket Australia Highly commended Australian softball officials through the Surfing Australia Lyn Parker development of training and accreditation programs for umpires, which are recognised Junior Sport Award Eunice Gill Memorial Award and used as models internationally. Australian Rugby Union Brian O’Shea ASM Brian O’Shea ASM, winner of the Eunice Gill Highly commended Highly commended Memorial Award, was recognised for his long and distinguished service to coaching. Basketball Australia Jill McIntosh He has been coaching rugby union in Netball Victoria Barbara Fenner Australia and Oceania for more than 30 years. Over this time, he has influenced School–Club Linkage Award — Primary Officials Development Award many senior coaches through his Tullawong State School Margo Koskelainen OAM involvement at both the elite level with Highly commended Highly commended the Wallabies, New South Wales and Everton Park State School Chris Burton OAM Newcastle Rugby Union, through to the Girrawheen Primary School Helen Colaguiri grassroots level. Joint winners of the Margaret Pewtress Memorial Award — Dr Grace Bryant ASM and Johanna Vescio ASM — have helped playing environment in sport through her Sydney, Johanna has developed a research advance the status of women in sport. support of fun runs, corporate games, program focusing on strategies to improve As a leading medical practitioner, community triathlons and Sydney’s City to the participation of teenage girls in sport Dr Bryant made a great contribution to the Surf race. and recreation by attracting people from development of women’s sport through her As an educator, Johanna Vescio has culturally diverse backgrounds, adopting expertise in sports medicine, science and played an important role in furthering the best practices, and through the support of administration. Dr Bryant is a leading interests of women in sport as a volunteer women role models. practitioner in sports medicine who has for Womensport and Recreation NSW In 2005 the Ausport Awards will be voluntarily dedicated her efforts to the since 1997 and through her contribution part of the ASC’s Our Sporting Future promotion of women’s sport at many levels. to the Women on Boards project, the forum, to be held in Sydney on 2–4 March This includes her involvement as a medical Schoolgirls’ Breakfast with the Stars, and 2005. To keep up to date about the officer for the Australian women’s water the Womensport seminar series. Senior Ausport Awards, join the listserv at polo, netball and hockey teams. During the lecturer in the School of Leisure, Sport and www.ausport.gov.au/events/ausportawards past 24 years, she has encouraged a safe Tourism at the University of Technology 2004/. ■ AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT 9 Sports Minister urges Aussies to come Full Cycle

f Cycling Australia’s new grassroots • RideIt, which aims to introduce riders to a program is half as successful as it structured environment while still hopes, the Sunday morning peloton will maintaining many of the benefits of I be out and about with renewed vigour recreational rides. and probably a lot less lycra. Cycling Australia developed these Known as Full Cycle, the program hopes initiatives in response to an analysis of to attract 19,000 participants over the next their business, particularly membership three years and to convert many of them to numbers compared to the level of Full Cycle program regular club members. recreational riders in Australia. They found RideIt The Federal Minister for the Arts and that recreational cyclists were reluctant to The RideIt initiative is targeted at Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, launched Full participate in organised cycling events and recreational cyclists aged between Cycle at the International Cycling Union’s competitions because of a perception that 18 and 65 and includes recreational World Track Championships at Melbourne’s they required high skill and fitness levels and non-competitive rides in both Vodafone Arena in May. and a desire to be a ‘serious’ cyclist. regional and metropolitan areas. The Australian Government, through the The three Full Cycle initiatives all Participants will be put in contact with Australian Sports Commission (ASC), is concentrate on providing fun, social a club based in their local area. investing $255,000 in Full Cycle over experiences, training and skill development. RideIt membership includes three years, with the aim of increasing They focus on the different needs of cyclists, 12 months insurance, a cycling handbook membership of the more than 200 cycling from juniors to seniors. A willingness to and club information, gear pack, cycling clubs around the country. participate and learn is all that is needed. services such as technical checks of ‘Full Cycle is one of 21 sport initiatives ‘Full Cycle is offering all those Australians bikes, pre-ride demonstrations and talks, supported by the Australian Government with a bike just rusting away in the shed a massages and a regular newsletter. through the ASC’s Targeted Sports chance to dust off the cobwebs, to have Participation Growth Program,’ Senator some fun, meet some friends and get fit in SkillCycle Kemp said. the process,’ the Minister said. SkillCycle is a club-based program for Full Cycle has three components: People interested in joining Full Cycle recreational cyclists aged between • J-cycle, a skill-development program should get in touch with their state cycling 18 and 65, offering skill training, for juniors association, which will be able to direct them fitness development, participation in • SkillCycle, a skill-development program to the nearest club running the program. For introductory competitions and a cycling for adults more information, visit www.cycling.org.au. pack. SkillCycle is designed to make the transition from novice to bike club member easy.

J-Cycle J-Cycle is a club-based program for children aged between 6 and 17 years and is based on JCs, a junior cycling program run in the ACT. The core values of fun, fast and skilled are clear winners in the eyes of children involved in JCs. The aim of J-Cycle is for young cyclists to become more technically proficient and therefore safer, while also having fun and getting a taste of the excitement that the sport of cycling provides in a competitive setting. ■ Shane Goss/licoricegallery.com 10 AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT ATHENS BOUND

Mackay ‘pocket-rocket’ earns coach’s praise

Diminutive Mackay swimmer Linda MacKenzie proved the find of the meet at Olympic trials in March, winning the 200, 400 and 800-metre freestyle treble. In the process, MacKenzie touched out her senior AIS team-mate and friend in the 200 metres. AIS Swimming Head Coach Pierre Lafontaine, who joined the AIS two years ago after coaching in Canada and the United States, has MacKenzie and his other Olympic swimmers primed to perform at their best. ‘Successes achieved by Petria Thomas, Justin Norris, Linda and others is in no small part due to them being pushed at training day in, day out by other squad members coming through,’ Lafontaine said. Known for his indomitable enthusiasm and booming pool-deck voice, Lafontaine was lavish in his praise of MacKenzie’s performances. ‘While Linda is small she has a huge heart, she’s strong, her technique is excellent and she’s a great listener. I’m sure she’s set for bigger things.’ ■ 03023-19

Linda MacKenzie

Archers trained to overcome Aeolus, Greek God of Wind

While most athletes are concerned about The archery competition in Athens will take the conditions they are likely to face in place in the original 1896 Olympic venue, Athens, to the AIS archers heading there the Panathinaiko Stadium, with the archers it will seem like paradise compared to due in the Olympic Athletes’ Village in some of what they have experienced over early August. ■ the past few months. AIS psychologist Gavin Freeman, in conjunction with AIS Archery Assistant Coach Matthew Lee, has been putting the archers through their paces with a number of drills benignly labelled ‘distraction training’. The theory behind distraction training is to improve the archers’ ability to concentrate in challenging conditions. Sleep deprivation and shooting among sprinklers and industrial fans are all scenarios employed to test the archers’ powers of concentration. The AIS contingent of archers — Deonne Bridger, Jade Beatty, Jo-Ann Galbraith, David Barnes, Simon Fairweather and Tim Cuddihy — left Canberra in early June with the rest of the Australian archery team for the German and Turkish rounds of the Euro

Grand Prix. They would go head-to-head with 03077-01 rivals Korea, Italy and the United States. AIS archer David Barnes undergoing distraction training AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT 11

Good and not so good come in threes for Thomas

Among those going to Athens will be the matriarch of the Australian swimming team, AIS swimmer Petria Thomas. Thomas seems recently to be both dogged and blessed in threes. Athens is Thomas’s third Olympics, following her recovery from a third shoulder reconstruction. Thomas also won three individual events at March’s Olympic swimming trials at Homebush, which qualified the former Mullumbimby girl for three individual events and three relays in Athens. 756-0238 Continuing the theme of threes, AIS team-mates Linda MacKenzie and Justin Norris matched Thomas in also winning three individual events at the Olympic trials — a spectacular result considering it is rare for one swimmer to win three individual events at a meet, let alone three swimmers from the same squad in the pressure and competition of Olympic trials. ■ Australian Sports Commission/Getty Images

Petria Thomas at the Sydney 2000

Six sculls prove better than four

After defeating 12-time world champion Germany at last year’s

world championships in Milan, 02070-32 Italy, AIS coach Lyall McCarthy and his women’s crew are now the benchmark crew coming into Athens. For much of the past year, seats in the crew were up for grabs and competition among the six AIS scholarship Australian Sports Commission/Getty Images holders was intense. The crew for the quad comprises three of last year’s all-AIS world championship crew — (AIS/WAIS), (AIS) and (AIS/TIS). They have been joined by Rebecca Sattin (AIS). Given the intense competition for seats and how 02070-37 closely matched all the women were, (AIS/ACTAS) and Donna Martin (AIS), who did not make the four, will team up in a in Athens. The double scull team is also a serious medal prospect. ■ Australian Sports Commission/Getty Images 03049-68 Australian Sports Commission/Getty Images Planes, lanes and uncertainties 03049-17

WILL THE SWIMMING VENUE IN ATHENS HAVE A ROOF? WHAT EFFECT WILL THAT HAVE? WILL PETRIA’S SHOULDER HOLD UP?

n between training, altitude camps, After only a few weeks back in Canberra, national camps and grand prix meets, the swimmers met in for a series

Australian Sports Commission/Getty Images these are just a few of the of grand prix meets and national camps. Iuncertainties Australian Institute of Their busy schedule will continue at a Sport (AIS) Swimming Head Coach Pierre pre-departure camp in Singapore where Lafontaine has been grappling with in the the swimmers will experience an open-air lead-up to Athens. pool and the hot conditions similar to Pierre Lafontaine Ten AIS swimmers will make up more those expected at Athens. than a quarter of the Australian swimming After the Singapore camp, the AIS team to compete in the first week of the swimmers and the rest of the Australian Athens Olympics in just a few weeks time. swimming contingent will gather in Joining them on the Australian team will be Sindelfingen, Germany, on 29 July, as they Lafontaine and fellow AIS coach Glenn did before last year’s world championships. Beringen. Before arriving in Athens with the Here they will undertake ten days of rest of the Australian swimming team, the intensive training and tapering before AIS contingent of Olympic swimmers will arriving at the Athletes’ Village at Athens have attended numerous training and on 8 August. preparation camps as well as lead-up meets. The majority of the AIS Athens-bound Swimmers 03049-13 swimmers spent time in May and June in Frances Adcock Sarah Paton the United States training at altitude at Regan Harrison Adam Pine Flagstaff, Arizona. Before departing, the Linda MacKenzie squad had a great hit out with many Antony Matkovich Craig Stevens top-ranked swimmers from the United Justin Norris Petria Thomas States — the country expected to challenge Australia in Athens for swimming Coaches Australian Sports Commission/Getty Images supremacy — at the Janet Evans Glenn Beringen Invitational meet in Longbeach, California. Pierre Lafontaine Glenn Beringen AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT 13

New Australian Sports Commission web site www.ausport.gov.au he new Australian Sports Commission (ASC) web site — www.ausport.gov.au — which T includes the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) web site — www.ais.org.au — was launched in early July 2004. The site features new content and a new information architecture (layout and content arrangement) that has been designed following extensive consultation and feedback from its users. To reflect the diverse range of people who use the site, information can now be accessed through function and client-type gateways: • function gateways are ASC, AIS, developing sport, coach/official/clubs, information/research, policies/issues, visit and shop at the AIS, conferences and events • NSO Online — soon to be the web site • client gateways are clubs, coaches, portal for national sporting organisations, officials, sports scientists, sports offering them all the resources and medicos, international users, sponsors, services of the ASC in one area. athletes, state institutes/academies of The launch saw the demise of several sport, students, teachers/educators, domains previously used by the ASC. These Athens Olympics government and the public. domains will continue to be supported for and Paralympics In addition, the home page of the web site 12 to 24 months with user redirects to the highlights: new web site. The domains no longer in During the Athens Olympics • recent media alerts concerning the use include: and Paralympics, the ASC web ASC and AIS • www.activeaustralia.org site will provide the following • the Australian Sports Directory — a • www.coachingaus.org information pertaining to searchable database of contact details • www.officiatingaus.org Australia: for Australian sporting organisations. • www.aisport.com.au. • teams This also includes links to a number of In addition, the web addresses for • results by day and sport other useful industry directories many areas have changed and users • listing of medallists and medal • Calendar of Events — a searchable with links should update their web sites tallies. database of Australian sporting events as where necessary. The link to this web site will well as links to other industry events and Feedback regarding the new web site can be from the home page. ■ conferences be sent to [email protected]. 14 AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT Latest sport research shows women outdo men

ON AVERAGE, WOMEN LIVE LONGER THAN MEN. THAT IS A FACT. WHAT IS NOW ALSO ESTABLISHED AS FACT IS THAT AUSTRALIAN WOMEN ARE PARTICIPATING IN SPORT MORE OFTEN THAN MEN. THIS IS ONE OF THE FINDINGS TO EMERGE FROM THREE YEARS OF RESEARCH DATA FROM THE EXERCISE, RECREATION AND SPORT SURVEY.

very three months for the past Figure 1: Percentage of participants in any activity by frequency 2001–2003 three years the Australian Sports Base = Australians aged 15 and over Commission (ASC) has conducted ■ 2001 ■ 2002 ■ 2003 60 the Exercise, Recreation and Sport E 46 Survey, measuring participation in sport and 38 39 physical activity. The findings are collated 40 37 37 and published annually. 30 25 24 24

Trends in Australian sports participation 20 Since 2001, overall participation has increased markedly on the back of some Percentage of people aged 15+ Percentage exciting initiatives being conducted by the 0 Less than one One to two Three or more ASC. Results show a steady and consistent trend towards more people participating Figure 2: Growth in organised participation by type of organisation 2001–2003 more often over the three years of the Base = Australians aged 15 and over Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey. ■ 2001 ■ 2002 ■ 2003 7000 The key trends are: • an increased frequency of activity per week 6000 • a small increase in organised activity 5000 • increases in club, school and commercial 4000

organisation activity 3000

• women participating in physical activity for 2000 exercise, recreation or sport more often 1000

than men. Number of participants (’000) 0 Total organised Sport or Fitness, leisure School Work Other More frequent participation recreation club or indoor There are two positive trends in terms of the frequency of participation in activity. Figure 3: Frequency of participation by sex (%) 2001–2003 More people are participating three or more Base = Australians aged 15 and over ■ 2001 ■ 2002 ■ 2003 times a week and fewer people are 30

participating less than once a week. 25 28 26 25 25 24 24 Whether or not this means more people are 24 23 23 23 23 22

20 22 21 20

participating in organised sport that 20 20 19 18 18 18 17 15 17 involves both training and playing is not 17 15 15 15 clear from the data. It is, however, a 10 13 13 positive trend. 11 5 There has been a small but consistent of participantsPercentage 0 growth in the number of people aged 15 or Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female None Less than 1–2 times 3–4 times 5 or more times over participating in activity organised by a once per per week per week per week club, association or other organisation. > week AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT 15 Milestone for Club Development Network Over the three years of Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey data, there has been an THE KELMSCOTT BASEBALL CLUB IN PERTH IS THE 4000TH increase of almost 630,000 people aged 15 MEMBER TO JOIN THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION’S and over participating in organised activities. (ASC’S) CLUB DEVELOPMENT NETWORK. The figures are even more encouraging when looking at the types of organisations in which Australians participate. The number of elmscott Baseball Club people participating in activities organised by celebrated the 4000th a sport or recreation club or association has milestone at a special increased from just under 3 million in 2001 Kceremony with the Member for to almost 4.4 million in 2003. Canning, Don Randall MP, representing When looking at the types of organisations the Federal Minister for the Arts and in which people are participating, there Sport, Senator Rod Kemp. has been an increase across the three The small and vibrant family-based club years in the number of people participating of around 400 members will benefit from in a sport or recreation club or association membership of the Club Development and an overall decline in the number Network. The Network is a free participating in fitness, leisure or indoor web-based program that supports the sports centres. management and development of sporting clubs in the key management More women areas of leadership, planning, people Women are now participating in activity more Mr Don Randall MP, Member for Canning, presents and members. Mr Adam Stevenson, committee member of often than men. For example, 28 per cent of Through its policy, Backing Australia’s Kelmscott Baseball Club, with a plaque women undertake activity five or more times Sporting Ability: a more active Australia, commemorating the club becoming the 4000th a week, compared to 25 per cent of males. member of the Club Development Network. the Australian Government is committed The good news that comes from looking at to improving participation in the frequency of participation figures is that grassroots sport. services and programs for their both men and women have shifted up a Clubs are the ‘nursery’ of Australia’s members,’ Mr Peters said. gear, participating more often. world-class sporting system. Attracting, Kelmscott has adopted inclusive Other facts training, rewarding and keeping players, practices to get people involved in Despite the national pride generated by officials and coaches are essential to baseball, claims its treasurer, Adam the outstanding success of our sporting the viability of sporting clubs. Stevenson. ‘We welcome new members teams, Australians prefer to participate Kelmscott is well supported by a of all ages and abilities to try baseball alone, or at least in small groups, rather dedicated team of volunteers who and to participate in club life,’ Mr than in larger teams. The sorts of physical generously give their time to run the Stevenson said. ‘We strive to deliver activities with the largest number of club. It fields three teams in AA, B and D affordable services to attract new participants are walking, aerobics/fitness, grade of the local baseball competition. members and to keep them involved in swimming and cycling. ASC CEO Mark Peters says the main the club.’ A more detailed analysis of the Exercise, principles of the Club Development Kelmscott Baseball Club will use the Recreation and Sport Survey trends for Network are to drive continuous Club Development Network to expand its 2001–03 as well as complete Exercise, improvement of management and to services to members to include the Recreation and Sport Survey publications provide better services to members. ‘The support of a junior team. are available on the Australian Sports Club Development Network helps clubs To join the Club Development Network Commission web site at www.ausport.gov. run better, providing online tools they can go to www.ausport.gov.au/clubs and au/info/topics/statistics/asp. ■ use to develop and deliver quality click on ‘free membership’. ■ 16 AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT The adventures of AIS massage therapist, acupuncturist

Google search on the name Jones who played on one or two of the Barry Cooper will produce a host albums. He went on to be part of of ‘pretenders’, from a Fellow of Led Zeppelin. My immediate full-time Athe Royal Society of Canada, to a predecessor, Mathew Fisher, went on to Massachusetts-based physics professor Procol Harum [who sang ‘Whiter Shade of and a London hypnotherapist. Pale’]. And then there was me who went on What it will not give you is a link to the eventually to the AIS.’ adventures of the real Barry ‘Baz’ Cooper, Born in South Croydon, Surrey, Baz had a the former Surrey rock musician and life-changing experience in the mid-1970s draughtsman who became an Australian when he forsook the mother country and Institute of Sport (AIS) icon. joined the cruise ship Patris to play music Baz joined the AIS in 1984 and next on board, steaming around Southeast Asia month will work at his fourth Olympics as and the South Pacific. part of a select group manipulating the Naturally, this provided an entrée to tired and aching muscles of Australia’s Australia, where he disembarked to play team in Athens. in a Melbourne band, which ‘split up before The past 20 years have been a I arrived’. fascinating journey for Baz but it is the Baz did find work in the music industry, adventures of Barry Cooper pre-AIS that are eventually becoming national marketing possibly even more remarkable. manager for the instrument division of CBS. Few staff could lay claim to the fact they By the late 1970s, he was running a music owe Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts shop in Brisbane, but soon after found his a serve of cheese on toast and a coffee. way to Sydney. Fewer still could claim to have performed ‘I started getting fit,’ said Baz. This is with David Bowie (pre-Ziggy Stardust, somewhat of an understatement, because admittedly). Or to have met Jimi Hendrix it too proved to be ‘life-changing’. (and no one born after 18 September 1970 Although he did not know it yet, it set him would dare suggest they had). on the road to the Olympics. He got so fit In London in the late 1960s, Baz played that he ran seven marathons, including a keyboards with a band called the proud personal best of two hours and Downliners Sect at the many rock clubs in 57 minutes. His Olympic journey, though, London. An online history of the band would not be as a competitor. describes it as having a reputation as His interest in fitness and running turned one of the best rhythm ‘n’ blues outfits to an interest in nutrition. ‘I did a short in town, comparable to the Rolling Stones course and one of the teachers was a and the Yardbirds. naturopath. Through him, I became Baz was described as ‘an eccentric interested in natural therapies, massage gentleman who shocked both band and eventually acupuncture.’ members and audience by wearing pyjamas More courses followed and as he became on stage’. He did other weird things on qualified, he started treating fellow runners. stage too, like sitting under the organ Baz started looking for more work in the while playing. sports area, but at the time, massage was ‘To my knowledge, I have been one of not a priority element of sports training. three keyboard players to work with the ‘Prior to the Brisbane Commonwealth Downliners Sect. The first was John Paul Games, the Australian swimming squad AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT 17 Barry Cooper and musician

needed help because they were falling to China and become an indispensable part bits and, after speaking to the coach, of the AIS and national teams to I started treating them daily. Craig Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Purdam, who was working in He describes his work as both physiotherapy at the AIS, also came up to challenging and satisfying, especially Sydney to help out with the swimmers. At helping to get injured athletes to the the time, no one did massage at the AIS.’ start line or the kick-off. Encouraged by his stint with the ‘We all like to feel as though we have swimmers, Baz sent off a few letters individually made a major contribution to seeking additional work and found helping athletes recover, although it is himself accompanying the AIS swimming usually the combination of the sports team on a trip to California. medicine team that gets the job done. ‘It went very well and a few months We all do our best. But it helps that after that a friend showed me an ad for a we are treating people who want to be massage therapist at the AIS. I had an better — usually by yesterday. They are interview with Craig and also spoke to all very motivated.’ Peter Fricker. Initially it was to be a Music still plays a big part in the ongoing shared position involving only 30 hours adventures of Baz Cooper, playing in a a week. Demand soon meant that I range of Canberra-based bands featuring became full time.’ everything from Louisanna swamp rock Since those early AIS days, Baz has with Allez-Gator to gypsy and world music furthered his acupuncture studies in with the Feral Brothers. ■ 03090-34 18 AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT How skill acquisition can influence practice

BY DR DAMIAN WITHIN THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS SCIENCE FARROW, SKILL SYSTEM, THE CONTRIBUTION OF DISCIPLINES ACQUISITION SUCH AS PHYSIOLOGY, BIOMECHANICS, MEDICINE SPECIALIST, AND THE PHYSICAL THERAPIES TO ELITE SPORTS AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL AND OF SPORT OBVIOUS. THE CONTRIBUTION OF SKILL ACQUISITION IS LESS APPARENT. THIS RELATIVELY NEW FIELD OF SPORTS SCIENCE CAN, AND DOES, CONTRIBUTE TO THE ENHANCEMENT OF SPORTS PERFORMANCE.

kill Acquisition is a specific arm of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Performance Psychology department that Sbegan full-time service provision in 2002. It is primarily concerned with investigating the factors that affect the acquisition, performance and retention 02166-04 of sports skills in both developing and elite athletes. The Skill Acquisition unit is particularly interested in the way an elite athlete integrates sensory information, such as vision, with the motor system to deftly execute a sports skill. A related focus is the design of practice methods that accelerate skill development and maximise skill transfer to the competition environment. The information gathered on the above issues through collaborative research is used to assist in providing services to elite AIS and national sporting organisation athletes and coaches. The role of skill acquisition is best encapsulated in a quote by South African physiologist Timothy Noakes, ‘In the field of skill sports, especially those involving teams (such as football, basketball, rugby and cricket), the future lies in understanding the complex neural responses, about which we currently have little idea, that allow the very best athletes to rapidly and accurately process sources of information and to instantly choose the correct winning action’. While Noakes’s suggestion that we ‘currently have little idea’ is not totally correct, the future he describes is the underlying theme of the work now

04024-18 being completed within the Skill Acquisition unit, AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT 19

been discussed for some time, the amount of time to select and prepare the video footage for the training sessions had been research prohibitive. Hence, with the servicing support of the Skill Acquisition unit, the AIS reflecting the needs of team-sport coaches. being re-tested. The computer-based training Basketball program has been able to add The two key issues of central concern to required the players to watch patterns of this facet to its training. Finally, from a coaches are charting the improvement in play from international basketball games research perspective, we now have more the skill levels of their athletes in ways where they were required to assume the detailed information to draw on when other than game performance, and role of the player with the ball. The match providing evidence-based advice to coaches optimising the practice environment to footage was then frozen at a critical in other team sports. In other words, a maximise learning and ultimately transfer moment where the player was required to win–win situation for all! to competition. decide what they would do (pass, shoot or To meet the coaches’ needs, the dribble). Again, the speed and accuracy of Skill Acquisition unit has adopted an their responses were recorded. Other research projects action-based research approach to its Much like a Nintendo game, the players service provision role. The major tenet of used a computer mouse to make their Current, or recently completed, projects this approach is that many servicing response and found the training to be illustrating the diversity and requests provide not only basic support to challenging, absorbing and fun. Importantly, multidisciplinary nature of applied a program, but are designed in such a way rather than this computer game being skill acquisition research include: as to provide additional information about unrelated to their sport, the added bonus of • Identifying and counteracting the the skill intervention that can be confidently such training is that it is designed to improve critical stressors governing skill applied to other sports with similar needs. the players’ on-court decision-making. decrement during tennis performance To date, there have been a number of In terms of the big picture, a number of • A multidisciplinary approach for favourable results in a variety of AIS sport advantages are seen with this type of examining batting expertise across programs supporting the application of servicing approach. While the athletes the developmental spectrum such an approach. simply logged on to complete their • Biomechanical and visual-perceptual Research influencing practice decision-making training, broader issues considerations in the hockey flick An example of this research in action is the were also being examined, in this case, from a goalkeeping perspective current decision-making training program the most effective method for scheduling • Improving the transfer from practice being completed by the AIS Men’s such off-court training. Applying the training to the game: a multidisciplinary Basketball program. Based on initial principles of strength and conditioning, examination of rugby line-outs consultation with the coaching staff, it was various combinations of volume, frequency, • An examination of the efficacy of decided that decision-making was an intensity and overload were being immersive (3D) visual simulations aspect of player performance that required manipulated by assigning players to for the training of perceptual skill increased attention. As a result, all players different training groups yet using the in netball were initially tested on an interactive video same training footage. • Does practice make perfect? simulation decision-making test designed While the complete results are yet to be The role of practice repetition in by the Skill Acquisition unit. published, the project has been successful skill learning The test utilises near life-size video in a number of ways. From the players’ • The development of a video-based projections of game situations filmed from perspective, the training exposed them to decision-making testing and training the players’ perspective. The players are team-based decision-making situations, yet approach for basketball required to interact with the video display they were able to complete the training as • Developing anticipatory skill for as if they were in an actual game situation an individual in an off-court environment. cricket slips catching by watching the play unfold and then This is particularly advantageous, as court • The development of a test of reactive making a decision to shoot, pass or dribble time as a team is limited and the physical agility for netball: a new methodology at the critical moment. Their physical demands are great. The players’ knowledge • The effects of fatigue on decision- response is recorded to extract decision- and awareness of the importance of making and shooting skill making speed and accuracy measures. decision-making was heightened and it is performance in water polo players After completing the testing, the players envisaged that this will be reflected in their • The kinematics of the soccer penalty were assigned to different training post-testing results and on-court kick: can they be used to improve the groups and required to complete three performances. anticipatory performance of soccer ■ computer-based decision-making training From a coaching perspective, while the goalkeepers? sessions each week for a month before possibilities of computer-based training had 20 AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT

Australian Greenhouse Office Chief Executive, Howard Bamsey, and Australian Sports Commission Chief Executive Officer, Mark Peters. Australian Sports Commission takes on the Greenhouse Challenge

triving for excellence applies not strategies and we’ll conduct an education ‘green energy’ to reduce emissions as part only to high performance sport. campaign to inform staff and athletes of its electricity supply contract. The Australian Sports about energy-efficient practices.’ The ASC has also finetuned its SCommission (ASC) drives Mr Peters said the ASC had an excellent air-conditioning and building management continuous improvement in many facets of track record for managing energy system. These measures equate to a its business, including energy conservation. consumption over the past ten years. reduction of 450 tonnes of greenhouse The ASC has signed up to the Australian Australian Greenhouse Office Chief gases each year. Government’s Greenhouse Challenge, Executive, Howard Bamsey, said the ASC contributing to a national effort to tackle had demonstrated an excellent history of global warming by introducing strategies to energy management. How the Australian Sports reduce energy emissions. ‘Joining the Greenhouse Challenge Commission will reduce Through the agreement, the ASC will program is further testimony to this,’ greenhouse-gas emissions improve its energy-efficient practices Mr Bamsey said. ‘In particular, the and manage, monitor and reduce investment in a gas-fired cogeneration • Power-saving settings for energy emissions. plant for pool and space heating, hot water personal computers ASC CEO Mark Peters welcomed the supply and electricity consumption is • Finetuning air-conditioning opportunity to join the Greenhouse Challenge very innovative.’ • Using energy-efficient lighting and demonstrate the Commission’s Ten agencies, representing more than • Minimising and recycling waste commitment to the environment. half the energy consumption by the products such as paper, cardboard, ‘We are delighted to take part in the Australian Government last year, are now plastics, glass, toner cartridges Greenhouse Challenge by introducing Challenge members. and oils strategies that will contribute to Australia’s Electricity powering Australian Institute of • Using economical four-cylinder cars, efforts in reducing greenhouse-gas Sport buildings, plants and office equipment where possible emissions,’ Mr Peters said. is a prime source of greenhouse-gas • reducing lawn areas (and therefore ‘Our goal is to cut the emission of emissions such as carbon dioxide. mowing) ■ greenhouse gases by 490 tonnes a year. The ASC is committed to sourcing We will achieve this through a range of 10 per cent of its power needs from AUGUST 2004, AUSPORT 21 Culinary Survival Around the World A new AIS cookbook for athletes on the go internationally

he Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) safety and coping with cultural norms and Department of Sports Nutrition is language difficulties. Plus we have a going global with its latest collection of globally influenced recipes Tcookbook Survival Around the World, appropriate for anyone needing to prepare a to be launched at the AIS in October. tasty, nutritious meal when time, motivation Survival Around the World is a and domestic skills are in short supply.’ collaboration between Australian Sports ‘Many athletes come to the AIS straight Commission corporate sponsor Nestlé from home where often everything was (which provides funding), and the AIS done for them … cooking, washing, ironing, Department of Sports Nutrition, which etc. They go straight into the AIS Dining contains no fewer than seven Jamie Olivers! Hall where again it’s all laid out and so AIS Dietitian Michelle Minehan said the when the time comes to head overseas, new cookbook was primarily an education they have no idea how to go about preparing The AIS Nutrition staff who penned tool to help ensure our athletes do not a nutritious meal. Survival Around the World Survival Around the World were miss out in the dietary stakes when fills that void.’ Professor Louise Burke, Greg Cox, travelling overseas. Survival Around the World is the third in Clare Wood, Louise Bell, Ruth Crawford, ‘Survival Around the World helps our the series of AIS cookbooks and is available Michelle Cort and Michelle Minehan. athletes meet the challenge of living from all good bookstores (RRP $24.95). For more information and recipes, visit overseas,’ Ms Minehan said. ‘We provide Other books in the series are Survival for the AIS Department of Sports Nutrition web advice on a range of issues such as food the Fittest and Survival from the Fittest. site at www.ais.org.au/nutrition. ■

MARK THIS DATE! OURSPORTINGFUTURE 2–4 March 2005 Sydney Convention Centre

The Australian Sports Commission takes great pleasure in hosting its An exciting range of speakers from Australia and overseas will be in second Our Sporting Future forum from 2–4 March 2005. attendance to discuss ideas, trends and emerging issues in sport. The Australian Sports Commission encourages you to attend, learn and Sessions will be relevant and interactive, including: contribute to the ongoing success of Australian sport. Many delegates • keynote addresses commented that the first Our Sporting Future, staged in March 2003, • plenary sessions was ‘the best sports industry conference [they had] been to in years’. • workshops • panel presentations and discussions • concurrent streams. To ensure you receive further information regarding the second Our Sporting Future forum, visit www.ausport.gov.au/events/ osf2005/ and register your interest today. Hosted by the Call for Abstracts closes on 30 July 2004. Visit the web site for Australian Sports Commission more details.