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The conference provides a great platform for networking
The day included an open forum with a panel of SAPCA board members (above) and the event was hosted by TV presenter and radio host Michelle Livings (right)
Delegates also heard how SAPCA will drive to further strengthen its position as the respected technical competence standard and a mark of trustworthiness and quality. This will include the association’s ongoing work on environmental sustainability,
which will lead to all SAPCA members having to hold a recognised environmental certification for their business operations. Having minimum environmental standards will also become a requirement by which companies are assessed for membership.
As part of SAPCA’s focus on sustainability, delegates heard from Dr Russell Seymour, CEO of The British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS). The session
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OBE. The former UK athletics supremo – who coached the likes of Daley Thompson and oversaw the glory days of Seb Coe
and Steve Ovett – spoke about progress, individual development and how to “win the game of change”. Dick outlined how, in his approach to coaching, there were “Valley People” and “Mountain People”. The latter, he revealed, were the “winners in life”.
“Mountain People are serial achievers,” Dick said. “They make aspiration become expectation. They find or create physical, mental and emotional connection
where Valley People see none. It’s that connection which makes dreams happen.
“In short, Mountain People are winners. They not only keep climbing the mountains they face, but they go out and look for more mountains to climb.”
SAPCA Vision
While the work of SAPCA in the past
25 years was featured throughout the conference, there was also a heavy
focus on the future and the association’s direction of travel. As part of this, delegates were given an insight into SAPCA’s
future plans and key areas of work. These include the revamping of the SAPCA Quality System and the
appointment of a new CEO, Richard Shaw, who replaces the retiring Chris Trickey.
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