Sports symposium begins today

The Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) two day sports symposium will open today at the Takuvaine AOG Hall.

International Olympic Committee member Barry Maister of New Zealand and chairman of Christchurch City Holdings will be among the keynote speakers at the two day conference.

The symposium will begin with registrations of participants at 8am followed by key note speeches.

Renowned Kiwi trainer Keith Roberts, who has been on the island conditioning local athletes for some time, will talk about the power of sport after the opening ceremony.

His address will be followed by a speech by International Olympic Committee member for New Zealand Barry Maister.

After the opening of the conference, national federation delegates attending the programme will be organised into working groups to discuss core sports business topics.

These topics include administration and management of CISNOC to be delivered by CISNOC president Sir Geoffrey Henry, sports tourism and the use of sports venues by Karla Eggelton of Cook Islands Tourism, national federation activation by national federation representative Lee Harmon, the workings of Team Cook Islands by chef de mission George George and the workings of the high performance division of CISNOC by George Paniani.

CISNOC sports development officer Siniva Marsters will speak about sports development including coaching and sports education programmes.

John Tierney will present the topic on finance, investments and commercial opportunities in sport while CISNOC secretary general Rosie Blake will present the topic on the ‘Olympic Family’ including Olympic values and ideals.

The conference will also include showcasing the CISNOC Commissions and programmes such as the Women in Sports Commission, Athletes Commission, Sports Education and Culture and Sports and Environment to name a few.

The end of the Symposium tomorrow will see the completion and delivery of the 2012-2016 strategic plan.

The two day programme is packed with keynote speeches and working groups geared towards improving the understanding and delivery of sports.