GHPTP Objectives

The Geelong High Performance Triathlon Program was established in 2005 to assist talented junior triathlete’s from the Geelong Region to achieve the highest levels of performance, through a clear and well developed supported pathway.  It is a new initiative and has set a benchmark in athlete performances in the Geelong Region.

 

The Geelong High Performance Program is strictly a non profit organization. Our aim is to gain support from the local community so that we can continue to provide junior athletes, both new and established, with opportunities to achieve their dreams.  It is an opportunity to be part of an innovative program for local Geelong athletes.

 

This is the only program of its kind in Geelong that is specifically targeted towards finding and developing local junior triathletes for Commonwealth and Olympic Games representation. It consists of 2 ‘High Profile’ local triathletes and 6 junior/junior elites who have been recognised as having the potential to make it to the top. We have assembled some of the best coaches in the country to work within the  program to ensure that  the  kids entering the program are given every chance to excel in the sport of triathlon.

 

There are two clear underpinning aims with our program.  The main objectives for the junior development program is to:

· Introduce an ‘introduction to triathlon’ program in primary schools through school visits and talks.

· Work with local primary schools and teachers to establish a talent identification program that introduces children to the sport of triathlon and provides access to further opportunities to excel in the sport.

· Work with teachers at schools to include a ‘triathlon specific course’ as part of their health and physical education curriculum

· Purchase ‘child friendly’ triathlon related equipment to enable coaches  to run sessions in schools on bikes and for running skills.

 

The main objectives for the ‘established’ junior development side of this program is to provide:

· ‘Local’, expert, individual sports (Swim / Bike and Run) coaching.

· Sports Science and Sports Medicine services.

· Expert guidance in all aspects of professional athlete life.

· National and international standard competition.

· Financial support for triathlon related expenses (where applicable).

· To have in place a local school based ‘introduction’ talk about triathlon in the region with GHPTP Program being the major focus.

· Visit primary and high schools twice per month, with a GHPTP Athlete providing a talk and equipment demonstration as an ‘introduction to triathlon’.

· Organize and implement weekly structured ‘development’ sessions for swimming, riding and running for our juniors.

· Send each sponsor a fortnightly ‘sponsors report’ outlining results, training progress, physical and emotional health of each of our ‘developed’ athletes throughout their training and racing season.

· Maintain a strong association with the VIS, Triathlon Victoria and their junior development program by liaising with Program Directors Gavin O’Sullivan and Jonathan Hall.

· Identify other local juniors who are racing in the schools series, or who are interested in triathlon through the ‘Weetbix Kids Series’ in both Geelong and Melbourne.  

· Provide skill development and resources necessary for competition at the highest level.

· Nurture and prepare athletes aged 15 – 19years for participation and competition at the elite level, through a clear and well-developed network.

· Assist local athletes with funding and support networks where required to pursue State and National representation in the sport of Triathlon.

· To establish and maintain local ‘junior’ (8 – 14) talent identification ‘schools based’ program.