Rowing NZ High Performance Development Camp
Rowing NZ will be holding a high-performance development camp at Lake Karapiro from 5 – 8 January. This camp will enable emerging U23 level athletes based at four Rowing Performance Centres to train alongside invited US based athletes for a centralised development camp.
Over 30 athletes will come together to take part in the four day camp with the opportunity to further their on water development while interacting with some of our national team coaches and selectors.Having both talented New Zealand and US based athletes training together is an exciting prospect which will raise the standard of rowing for all involved.
The development camp was initiated to achieve the following objectives;
1. To assist athletes based overseas to reintegrate into the Rowing NZ high performance programme following the completion of their tertiary studies
2. To provide athletes based overseas and wishing to be selected for an U23 team the opportunity to be seen by New Zealand coaches and selectors
3. To provide a centralised development opportunity for athletes working towards U23 representation.
In 2005 four Rowing Performance Centres (RPC) were established by Rowing NZ with the primary purpose of identifying and developing pre-elite athletes capable of representing New Zealand. This athlete pathway has led to unprecedented success at the elite level with New Zealand consistently at the top of the international medal table. Being able to bring together the top talent at pre-elite level and provide a consistent training platform is a key component of the success of the Rowing NZ programme, and bringing all the RPCs together in combination with athletes based overseas provides an excellent development opportunity for all involved.
Rowing NZ has recognised a number of former Junior rowers have chosen to take up US scholarships, and last year Logan Keys was appointed in a role as US Scholarship Athlete Liaison.There are a number of US based athletes that have the desire to represent New Zealand on the world stage and Logan’s role is key in staying connected with these athletes.
Speaking of the challenges many overseas based athletes face, Logan Keys commented, “It is really important for prospective U23 and elite athletes who have undertaken opportunities outside of New Zealand to see that there is a pathway back into the Rowing NZ programme, and that they feel part of the broader New Zealand rowing community”.
Rowing NZ encourages any New Zealand rower who may be considering a scholarship opportunity outside New Zealand to consult with their existing network, including Rowing Performance Centre (RPC) coaches. Athletes may also contact Logan Keys directly. Logan can provide advice and guidance to athletes and their parents when considering accepting a scholarship opportunity, and will help to ensure that athletes are making the best decisions possible in relation to both study and rowing goals.
Athletes already based overseas who are not attending the Development Camp are invited to make contact with Logan if they wish to be considered for selection into New Zealand teams upon their return.
Logan Keys | logan_keys@hotmail.com | 027 3836 150