As part of the quarterly Wellington Regional Meeting, there have been a number of conversations relating to the “Physical Literacy Approach” and how this approach could be best used to support the Wellington GymSports team for at the New Zealand Gymsports Championship events this year.

What is physical literacy?

Physical literacy is “the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding required by participants that allow them to value and take responsibility for engaging in physical activity and sport for life”. Physical literacy is at the core of Sport NZ’s approach to New Zealanders and physical activity in order to ensure that what is delivered responds to the needs of participants as they change throughout life.

In terms of our competitive athletes, this means looking at the athlete as a whole (physical, cognitive, spiritual, social and emotional) and not just at their physical performance.

After further discussion, it was agreed that all competitive athletes would benefit from such training and that the Central Regional Clinic would be a great opportunity to introduce a wide range of athletes and coaches to elements of physical literacy.

Kerry Weston from Rimutaka GymSports was able to put us in touch with a local Napier resident – Wanda Douglas who is an Industrial – organizational Psychologist and has worked with a number of local sports teams in the Bay.

Jane Sheldrake has taken this opportunity with both hands and organised two sessions for 50 athletes to attend as part of the Central Region Clinic.  These will provide athletes and coaches with opportunities to learn from an expert as well as resources to use when they return home.