Ski racers need encouragement

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 255, 20 September 1988, Page 6

Ski racers need encouragement

I would like to point out to Bulletin readers that, in travelling to Mt Hutt with a group of independent ski racers, I had no intention of criticizing the Turoa Race Academy ski team selection process. What I went for was to help and encourage a group of young ski racers in their efforts to take part in ihe New Zealand Nationals. During my stay in Methven I was exposed to may other, more experienced coaches than I, and the one thing that I found was an open welcome, both to the boys and to the idea that the New Zealand Nationals is an event open to any racer who is registered and over 13. At no time did I experience any negative feelings or comments from any of the other coaches, organizers, committee members or Jury about the two independent racers being at the Nationals as competitors. In fact when I discussed this with the New Zealand Ski Association Race Committee Chairman Mr Neil Harrison, he was very positive about any and all registered racers, over 13 years of age

being not only allowed, but encouraged to attend as competitors, as it gives them valuable exposure to outside competition and experience on more difficult race courses. I will furlher add that being outside the Turoa Race Academy organization, I can only guess at their motivcs

for not encouraging anyone other than the Turoa Race team to attend. Maybe the Turoa coaching staff fecl that the future of the NZ National Ski Team is likely to come from its ranks, and they are chanelling their development efforts in that direction.

If so then I applaud this decision as it is true Turoa has many talcnted racers and very good coaching credentials. With dedication and luck they may reach their goal. But I also feel that they may have lost sight of their major objective: that as

coaches they must lead through example to motivate, support and, through positive reinforcement, instil confidence and self-disci-pline to all levels o f athletes they may b e coaching, from entry levcl to the elite. Even those lcss talented should be trcated equally until such time as the better ones are choscn for a NZ development team. They will be the ones who will, in time, help build a strong base from which the New Zealand Ski Association can draw and grow. Remcmber, skiing and ski racing at the club level should b e hard work, dedication, but still FUN. Nick Kwasniak.