Graham back from Glasgow, off to Fiji

Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee sports manager Robert Graham has returned from the 3rd Commonwealth Sports Development Conference in Glasgow, Scotland with fresh ideas on improving the development of sport in the Cook Islands.

The event drew sports administrators from around the world to share their knowledge on sports development from recruiting, training and retaining sports volunteers, coaches, administrators and even investors.

Of particular interest to Graham during the three day conference were the talks on events management development an area that Graham specialises in having a major role in the organising and running of the local Manea and Purapura zone games.

“There were plenty of new ideas about implementing the sports development programmes were already run here and that we will run in the future,” Graham said.

“Mainly the conference was about how to deliver sports development programmes effectively – not just for sports people but for administrators.”

The conference paid particular attention to achieving sustainable development programmes that will build the sports capacity in the community and sports clubs.

Graham has packed his bags again and this time he is off to Fiji to review the Oceania Sports Education Programme.

In Fiji, Graham will also meet with representatives from the North West University in London who have pledged to give Pacific countries including the Cooks GBP25,000 (NZ$54,000) for the training and development of athletes prior to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Graham will also be preparing to deliver sports education programmes at the club and community level in August.