Section C: Contemporary studies in physical education and sport 2. Achieving excellence in sport (relating to a country of your choice)

Syllabus Policies, government initiatives Status of elite sport, professional approach Political views Importance of Olympic success Provision for excellence, facilities, coaches, science support Funding for excellence Administration, structure and organisation of sport

National Governing Bodies (UK) Some of the ways NGBs try to improve sport excellence include: – Talent identification schemes – Financial support – Selecting athletes for World Class Performance funding – Giving access to the best facilities and equipment – Training top-level coaches – Providing sport science support – Organising and providing information about competitions at different levels – Providing lifestyle advice/mentors

Long-term athlete development (UK) Involves NGBs providing a structure to encourage life-long involvement in sport Structures include the following progressions: – FUNdamentals – fun introduction to sport – Learning to train – stage for developing sporting skills – Training to train – acquiring and building on sport-specific skills and fitness requirements – Training to compete – developing more advanced skills and experiencing competitive environments – Training to win – maximising performance skills to achieve success – Retention – implementation of lifelong participation or involvement in sport as a performer, official, coach etc

Talent ID in the UK UK School Games – multisport event aimed at replicating the feel of the Olympic events Junior Athlete Education Programme UK Centre for Coaching Excellence TASS (financial support)