The inaugural School Sport Victoria (SSV) Region Conference held at Maribyrnong College on Monday 3 December, was a great success. This is the first time SSV have facilitated a gathering of all SSV Region and Division Coordinators from around Victoria to upskill them in thier respective roles.
The day commenced with a powerful message from Dr. Bridie O'Donnell, who used the opportunity to inspire those present with stories around women in Sport. Dr. O'Donnell, Head of Women In Sport Office, posed a very clear challenge to Coordinators across the state, sharing some very interesting data. The message was clear - we all play a part in raising the participation levels of girls and women in sport and by doing so the sporting community is enriched, when both men and women work together.
"When Ernst & Young completed a study of women CEO's all over the world in all kinds of organisations, they found that 96% of women came from an elite sporting background." Dr. O'Donnell's said, and her message set the foundation for the day.
Nick Mooney, Interim CEO of School Sport Victoria, then spent some time reflecting on the highlights of 2018 as well as focusing on what to look forward to in 2019. It is clear that the pending review of School Sport Victoria will take the highest priority as we move into the new year.
Attendees were then provided with an opportunity to attend various workshops: 'Best Practice around Meet Manager Results', 'Team Vic Pathways', 'Health and Wellbeing', 'Increasing Multi Class Participation', and 'A Principal's Perspective on School Sport'. Tony Goodwin (SSV Vice President), Matt McGregor (Psychologist), and SSV staff were involved in delivering the workshops, Mel Camilleri, Ricky Thompson, Ian Landy and Leesa Langley, focused on best practices in the respective topics.
Sean De Morton and Andy Hair led an interactive session 'Engaging Students Through Sport' which included everyone participating. This all-in session served two purposes, it helped Coordinators connect, and also equipped them with more practical tools in their classrooms.
Based on the verbal and written feedback we have already received the day was a great success, with planning for a 2019 Region Conference already underway.
