Hi Everyone,

Hope this update finds you healthy and coming to grips with a different lifestyle to what we have been used to. Times like will make us stronger as well as challenge us all to create different ways of doing things that we are accustomed to.

An interesting comment I heard the other day that can keep things in perspective was “We are only being asked to stay at home – not go to war”

Information has just come through that your school term will be totally different – with stay at home curriculum being rolled out. Make the most of this and set a routine so that you can get everything completed on time. Your teachers have been working strenuously to develop this curriculum – this is new to them as well, so communicate with them if you have questions.

The Bendigo Academy of Sport is working very closely with all other regional academies, along with the Victorian Institute of Sport [VIS] and Sport Recreation Victoria [SRV] to ensure all athletes have a program that is manageable and allows you to be ready to participate in your chosen sport when all restrictions are lifted.

Each week Zoom conference with the above to ensure we are all on the same page. The VIS provide invaluable advice and ideas about what is best practice in the realm of elite sport and the challenges that we are all encountering.

In each update I will endeavour to provide you with some information around sport, injuries etc as well.

The first is about soft tissue injuries and hopefully will be of benefit. [see attached pdf]

COVID-19

In the health update from State Government on April 1st the Premier announced Stage 3 of the shutdown of non-essential activities in Victoria to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Public gatherings are now restricted to maximum of two people, except for members of your household and for work or education.

The Premier has stated that there are 4 reasons to leave your home:

  1. shopping for what you need – food and essential supplies
  2. medical, care or compassionate needs
  3. exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements
  4. work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely

If you can stay home, you must stay home. https://www.vic.gov.au/coronavirusresponse

Accounts

Our bookkeeper has just completed last months accounts and invoices will have been forwarded to your e-mail addresses.

At this point in time I would suggest the following

  • 2019-20 programs [Canoeing, Clay Target, Volleyball] – Please finalise these accounts. We plan to complete the final sessions once the state government gives the all clear to continue.
  • 2020 programs [Netball, Tennis] – at this stage do not make any further payments. We still intend to resume programs once the all clear is given. At that point please make payments. Thank you to those who have already paid. If for some reason we are unable to provide the program the Finance committee will facilitate a refund process.

Sports programs 2020

All our sports training programs have now been postponed until 31st May 2020 [at least]. This is very unfortunate for everyone who was keen to get stuck into the new training programs or in the case of some sport finalise their 2019 -20 programs.

We are working to provide some online “Athlete Education” programs that all our regional academies will be utilising. Stay tuned for more information regarding this development.

S&C for all sports

Jess Radford [BAS fitness co-ordinator – Exercise Physiologist] is currently developing a home-based fitness program with video links to demonstrate the various exercises. This can be incorporated into your school activities and will provide a physical break from the online school program.

If your school and local sporting club has also provided you with program than you might be able to mix and match depending on your circumstances.

Maybe get your parents to join in as well.

Office

Mark and I are working from home as La Trobe University is currently in lockdown. We will continue to provide you with updates and programs. If you need to contact either one of use, please use the mobile numbers listed below.

Mark                     0429 132 229

Graham                0487 944 642

2020 Annual Presentation Evening

The Annual Presentation Evening that was to be held on Friday 22nd May for the following sports programs

  • Golf 2019
  • Netball 2019
  • Individual athletes 2019
  • Tennis 2019
  • Canoeing 2019-2020
  • Clay Target 2019 – 2020
  • Volleyball 2019 – 2020

It is now scheduled for Friday 28th August 2020. This is subject to COVID-19 restrictions being lifted by this date.

I will keep you informed

Enjoy the Easter break with your immediate family. Have a rest from work [if possible], close the computers, emails and other work-related technology down to enjoy the break.

Embrace your schoolwork at home and focus on the positives eg:

  • Extra time in the morning
  • No bus trips each day
  • No uniforms
  • No timeouts
  • No homework
  • Still get to see your friends [ah technology]
  • No school bells

Finally, don’t forget to support your families as your parents are your first sponsors. Offer to make dinner, wash the car, clean your rooms etc without being asked. Your parents are experiencing the same emotions as you are so look after them.

Stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely

Graham Gordon