Athletics South Africa has wasted no time in preparing for the 2017 season, by rolling up sleeves to host what promises to be a hectic two days next month.

From 7-8 October 2016, SA’s top athletics coaches will gather in Bloemfontein to plan and prepare for the 2017 athletics season.

With the successes and failures of the South African athletics team at the 2016 Olympic Games still fresh in our minds, the coaches will receive a debrief from Frank Dick (SASCOC Consultant for the Olympic Games) supported by 1996 Olympic silver medallist in the 800m, Hezekiel Sepeng (now ASA’s Excellence Manager) on the strengths and weaknesses of the South African Athletics Team at the 2016 Olympic Games.

The role and importance of athlete representatives and managers will also be discussed during this 2016 South African Athletics Coaches Symposium. With South Africa now regarded as one of the top athletics role players in the world, the utilisation of athlete representatives and managers, to support the top coaches and athletes in their preparation for the international season, will be discussed in detail.

Norman Brook (Excellence Manager of Kenia Athletics) will also contribute towards the approach of South Africa’s preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games.

“It’s time to reflect and take the organisation forward by having a round table discussion with our coaches,” said Aleck Skhosana, the President of ASA.

“Different speakers will spend the two intense days sharing experiences and seeking how we can also make it easier for each other to present an athlete that is ready for competition at all levels.

“We are looking forward to this symposium and we are excited as we are already mapping a way to next year’s IAAF World Champs and the next Olympics four years away.”

During the symposium, the coaches will discuss a system to support, network and prepare SA’s elite coaches for the demands presented by top international competitions such as the IAAF World Championships and Olympic Games.

Coaches will be invited to deliver a thesis focusing on a specialist field that enabled the coach to deliver an athlete of international standing. This thesis will, thereafter be made available to all coaches in South Africa and will contribute towards the education of upcoming athletics coaches in the country.

All Coaches who have delivered athletes at national and international level during the past Olympic Cycle (2012-2016) are invited to attend the 2016 South African Athletics Coaches Symposium.

Entry forms for the 2016 South African Athletics Coaches Symposium are available from www.athletics.org.za