It's tradition that many head up the mountain for a fount of knowledge.
In early May, Burnaby Mountain will be the source for sports information as it hosts the second Simon Fraser University Sports Summit.
Presented by the B.C. Summer Swimming Association, the three-day event has its roots and some resources focused in aquatic circles. Organizer and SFU swim coach Liam Donnelly notes however that there are also presentations that cross sports boundaries, touching on topics of interest for any coaches, officials and parents.
"We've attracted a number of speakers who speak on a broad range of sports topics, so I'm really excited about what we've put together," said Donnelly.
"They touch on different subjects in various areas, and these are speakers who are well-known for their knowledge and experience."
Among the speakers are national women's basketball coach and former SFU coach Allison McNeill, former Canadian Olympic athletes Brian Johns and Lori Fung, performance consultant Dr. Kirsten Barnes and ProActive Coaching Inc.'s Rob Miller.
McNeill, from her vast years of experience, has chosen to give a couple of presentations: Empowering your children, and Lessons from London.
In the first course, McNeill will talk for about what she's learned over the years on how parents can help their children reach their potential, while the second course will dissect the crucial experiences of the 2012 Olympics.
"This is information that is not just exclusive to coaches, but is of value to parents, too," noted Donnelly.
Johns, a three-time Olympian and one-time individual medley world recorder holder, will take to the podium with his father Lawrie and discuss how important a role parents play in the development an athlete.
Miller, a coach and university administrator who founded the NAIA Champions of Character program, will give four presentations covering life lessons in sport, parents role in athletics, the power of words and building confidence in your athlete.
"It's just a great message that resonates with both coaches and parents, and applies to any port," added Donnelly.
Fung, who won Olympic gold in 1984 in rhythmic gymnastics, will speak on flexibility and core development, while Barnes has separate presentations on performance readiness for parents and coaches.
Coquitlam's Susan Kemper, former national coach of Canada's synchronized swimming team, is one of the presenters in six swimming-specific presentations offered, which also include former Olympic swimming head coach Dave Johnson, Anne-Marie North and Allan Wrigley.
The Summit, which runs May 3 to 5, is open to coaches, volunteers and parents, with individual courses costing $25. For BCSSA members, discounted conference packages are also offered.
For more information or to register, go to www.simonfraseraquatics.com.
Dan Olson is the sports editor of the Coquitlam NOW
