26 September 2008

This weekend the UKA Birmingham High-Performance Centre will host training and information day is to take place on Sunday for athletes who are set to head out to Pune, India for next month’s Commonwealth Youth Games.

The event will provide an opportunity to meet the management and coaching team, go through all the pre-Championship information, and meet former Gold medalists, who will be on hand to give advice and assist the athletes in their final preparation.

UKA Talent Manager Jo Jennings, who will be the Team Leader for England at the Games said: "It’s not often we have the opportunity to get-together as a team prior to traveling out to a Championships, so Sunday will be a great chance for the team to bond and athletes and the staff to meet face-to-face.

"Obviously the Get Together on Sunday gives the staff the time to sort out any logistical issues – such as giving out the team kit – and meet with personal coaches and parents to discuss factors which are unique to this trip. We expect the conditions in Pune to be challenging but this offers a valuable learning experience for athletes (and their coaches) to plan and prepare perfectly.

"Planning as a staff team has been ongoing and Planners for the Games have been provided to the athletes, with as much useful and relevant information as possible in the run-up to the Games

"We expect high standards from all competitors in terms of attitude, preparation and performance. But alongside this we hope the athletes enjoy the Games and it will provide a taste for future senior appearances – the buzz of the unique multi-sport environment that only the Commonwealth and Olympic Games provides – and the start of a long career in the sport."