SASCOC President Gideon Sam celebrated the developments on day two of the coaching framework conference in Boksburg.
Saturday saw plenty of progress achieved and lessons learnt among South Africas sporting mentors and administrators at the annual coaching conference, living up to the aims and goals set by SASCOC and Department of Sports and Recreation.
With an increased attendance at this years event (over 900 delegates arrived in Boksburg), there was notable growth achieved.
American professor Matthew Robinson, who specialises in sports development, and CATHSSETA CEO Mike Tsotetsi were the key note speakers who opened the days schedule with speeches.
Robinson compared the USAs sport systems to those in South Africa, and discussed the respective pros and cons. Tsotetsi lauded SASCOCs coaching conference and pledged CATHSSETAs support to the cause of improving the quality of South African coaching and sport.
This was followed by several workshops, which focused on spreading knowledge and experience. These were hosted by the likes of South African swimming coach Graham Hill, South African rowing coach Roger Barrow, Paralympic track and field coach Suzanne Ferreira (who all had medal-winning athletes at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London), sports administrators and international professors.
This impressed Sam, who also took part in the days proceedings.
Looking back to the first conference last year, most of the work involved introducing the structures of this initiative, said Sam. The biggest difference this year is that theres so much learning and growth happening around us.
With more coaches in attendance, more relationships are being made and knowledge and expertise are being passed on to one another. These coaches are also learning a lot from workshops and events.
This is very promising. Its important that we keep this progress going.
The coaching conference will continue on Sunday, which see several keynote presentations offered. SASCOC and the Department of Sports and Recreation will also launch new academy and development initiatives, which will add plenty of value to South African sport at all levels.