On Wednesday 5 June Newington College hosted the 3rd Annual Sports Seminar with a keynote address from World Anti-Doping Association President John Fahey.

Newington College’s Strength and Conditioning Manager Nathan Parnham opened the seminar speaking about the College’s philosophy on boys using gym equipment. He explained how the College teaches fundamental movement skills before developing sport specific programs to suit the needs and capacity of each boy. Mr Parnham also talked about the changing culture within gyms and the need for new coaching styles as well as how to better increase the opportunity for all students to utilize the facility in a safe environment.

Nutritionist Susie Burrell was second to address the audience raising some common concerns about the importance of quality nutritional intake. She also began a discussion around supplements and whether they are appropriate for teenagers. Ms Burrell suggested that when using supplements, timing and quality was the key to success.

Alanna Metlikovec from the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority provided an insiders’  look into the drug-testing process. Ms Metlikovec presented some interesting facts about the drugs and supplements market including the reality that there are more than 6,000 supplements that are on the market which the ASADA doesn’t support.

The keynote speaker for the evening was President of the World Anti-Doping Association John Fahey. He spoke about why people take drugs and some of the consequences of usage, as well as some of the current challenges that the WADA is facing.

To view John’s presentation please see SPACES.

Special thanks for the success of the night go to Mr Simon Poidevin for organising Mr Fahey’s attendance, Newington College Sportsmaster James Godfrey for encouraging the event, Athlete’s Foot for their generous donations, and Ms. Veronique Lorquet who worked so tirelessly on the evening to ensure it ran smoothly.