When Tait Jenkins found he could play wheelchair boccia, despite a debilitating affliction, we supported him getting to various competitions. Tait did very well, and progressed to success and medals in state and national competitions. Here he is (right) with fellow medalists.
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 Tait Jenkins being congratulated by former Prime Minister Hon John Howard. |
As a result of his outstanding form, Tait was identified to be in the train-on squad for the paralympics at Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
But the trouble was that Tait could not attend all the training programs available to other boccia players – these were, as so often happens, restricted to the metropolitan regions!
However, together with the North Coast Academy of Sport, (NCAS) we have been able to design a special program for individual athletes like Tait which is now available in the northern NSW area.
Named the “Lone Stars” program, the NCAS appoints specialist coaches, trainers and sports psychologists specifically for the individual athlete, and they design a program, together with the national or state parent body for that sport. These programs give these disadvantaged athletes (geographically isolated disadvantage, that is!) a sporting chance. Now Tait’s development, and that of other individual athletes, will be enhanced rather than falling by the wayside.
This program is a considerable diversion from normal NCAS programs, which are largely directed at team sports or group development of athletes. Mr John Kincade, its Director, has been hugely involved in the development of the program which is now available.
Our involvement is to identify suitable individual athletes, to assist with funding, and to help with personnel or skills wherever needed.
If you know of a single athlete (not team) who needs help please contact chairman@lordstaverners-northernnsw.com.au
18th November 2013: Here is an update on our Two Lone Stars athletes:
Our two Lone-Star athletes are currently experiencing some great success.
Georgia Keen (Soccer) has been selected into the U17 & U19 All Schools Australian Team, the 19’s will tour the UK during January 2014.
Georgia has also been selected as part of a train on squad with Brisbane Roar. In 2014 while studying for her HSC Georgia plans to be playing in the Brisbane Women’s Premier League with a Gold Coast team. From this she hopes to cement herself a place with the Roar run on squad. http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/teen-keen-to-tour-again/1993241/
Tait Jenkins (Boccia) has recently returned from his first international competition (2013 Asia and Oceania Boccia Championships). From this event Tait hopes to play well enough to gain a world ranking in the top 30.
While Tait was able to win a few games at the event he narrowly missed out on the quarter finals.
Tait speaks of his experience: “I am the only person in the world in this current competition to take an end off any player ranked higher than number four in the world.”
http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/taits-on-the-ball/2060001/
Regards,
John
John Kincade l Executive Director
NORTH COAST ACADEMY OF SPORT
PO Box 157 LISMORE NSW 2480
Email:jkincade@ncas.org.au
Web: www.ncas.org.au