Coventry University supports young athletes ahead of International Children’s Games
Coventry University are supporting young athletes representing Coventry at this year’s International Children’s Games
Young athletes representing Coventry at this year’s International Children’s Games are being given a taste of elite-level preparation, thanks to support from Coventry University.
Team Coventry, made up of athletes aged 12 to 15, will compete in the Games taking place from in August in Hualien, Taiwan.
In the lead-up to the event, sport science students from the university are working closely with the team to help improve their performance.
The support includes fitness assessments, tailored training advice, and guidance from sports psychologists. The aim is to help the athletes prepare both physically and mentally for competition.
Coventry is the only UK city sending a team to the Games, where around 1,500 young athletes from across the world will compete. Team Coventry participants will take part in track and field events as well as swimming.
Dr Jason Tallis, Associate Professor of Skeletal Muscle Function and Applied Sports Science, is leading the university’s involvement. He said: “The Team Coventry athletes will get an elite sports science experience. They will see how professional athletes prepare for competition.”
He added: “The athletes and their coaches can use the information we gather to improve their training. We also hope this experience inspires them to learn more about sport science and how different experts can help them reach their potential.”
Dr Tallis also highlighted the benefits for students involved in the project: “For our students, this is a chance to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting. You can’t learn everything in the classroom, so experiences like this are essential.”
He noted that, although the athletes are representing Coventry, they also carry a wider responsibility: “Because Coventry is the only UK city taking part, the team is effectively representing the UK as well. That makes it an even more special opportunity.”
First-year Sport and Exercise Science student Olivia Costello said the experience has been valuable: “This is a great chance for me to put my skills into practice in a real-world situation."
She added: “It’s been really good working with the athletes. They are enthusiastic, and helping them understand their training will boost their confidence and performance.”