Documents

INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION AMONG HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORT CENTRES

Francesc DE PUIG I VILADRICH, Director, Centre d'Alt Rendiment

Abstract

To date there are 128 High Performance Sport Centres located throughout the world. Their distribution is as follows: 57 centres in Europe; 12 in North America; 4 in South America; 2 in Central America; 22 in Asia; 30 in Oceania and 1 in Africa. The data base available as part of the www.forumelitesport.org web lists 37 centres which have facilitated all information requested.

There have been bi-lateral cooperation agreements made through the 1st and 2nd Forums as well as initiatives for the creation of an international association.

Both the 1st Forum, held in Sydney in September 1999, and 2nd Forum, held in Barcelona in September 2001 were met with substantial success. Participants to the second Forum were able to listen and participate in interesting presentations as well as share the high level of motivation and enthusiasm displayed on the part of the organisers. It was obvious that there is a need for greater continuity in this common space so that individuals and institutions working in the field of high performance sport would be able to share information and experience. For this reason, the 3rd Forum will take place from 9 to 11 September 2003 in Burleigh Court, Loughborough University, United Kingdom.

During the 2nd Forum for High Performance Sport, held September 2001, there was general agreement of the fact that it would directly benefit the athletes and sports centres around the world if efforts were pooled and we had more opportunity to share our experiences.

An initial group for a future International Association for High Performance Sport Centres was formed as a result. A number of meetings have been held since that time.

Currently, this group consists of representatives from countries such as Australia, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany and Canada, and welcomes new incorporations from all five continents.

Its main objective is to establish the necessary foundations for the creation of an International Association for High Performance Sport Centres, with the goal of making research and experience available to assist in a more effective preparation of our athletes, such as exchange opportunities and better communication of new ideas, all falling under the philosophy of "fair play".

The main topics of discussion have included:

a. To define the objectives of the association and its members

b. To create a data base for its Centres, available for consultation on the web page: www.forumelitesport.org

c. To draw up a statues proposal

d. To decide on a venue for the 3rd Forum

e. To discuss the most efficient ways to obtain the greatest benefit from the creation of this Association

The WWW as a Tool for Communication www.forumelitesport.org is a very useful communication tool. It includes valuable information on registered High Performance Sports Centres, such as their infrastructure and opportunities on offering services for sport. It also includes documentation on conferences and papers that have been presented as part of the International Forum of Elite Sport, as well as news associated with this Forum and on the Association that is being created around these centres.