Exchange 2014 – A day to Learn, Develop, Reward

3rd Nov 2014 | Written by LesleyJ

Yesterday, Sunday 2 November, triathlonscotland hosted Exchange 2014 at Commonwealth Games venue, the Emirates Arena.

 
Following the success of last year’s event, Exchange 2014 offered a similar format with four major events incorporated in to one: race organiser and technical official’s conference; coach development workshops; our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and our triathlonscotland awards.  New to this year, was the opportunity for club committee officers to attend the free club officers workshops on offer.
 
The day was opened by Gemma Simpson, Events and Volunteer Manager, and with something for everyone, around 75 coaches, club committee officers, event organiser’s and technical officials attended the day.  
 
Each delegate attended workshops relevant to their role, split between the morning and afternoon.  For the coaches, winning on every level and developing better runners.  Club officers also attended winning on every level with the novice gateway following in the afternoon.  Sonia Grant from sportscotland presented winning on every level where the group focused on the tools that can be used to get the most out your club, creating the right environment to ensure everyone is involved.  In the afternoon coaches attended ‘developing better runners‘ led by triathlonscotland tutor and running specialist Alister Russell, and triathlonscotland foundation coach; Linda McLean who led an interactive workshop introducing the fundamentals of good running form and technique. Some of our youth members came along to take part in the interactive session and enjoyed the presence of two of our top triathletes: Grant Sheldon and Seonaid Thompson.   The second workshop for club officers – the novice gateway, was a really informative session looking at the importance of first impressions – what impression does your club give new or prospective members when they first make contact ? Clubs were also encouraged to consider and ensure they cater for, and foster an inclusive environment for all: from the youngest and oldest; most experienced to complete novice. For the technical officals, they discussed a number of different areas such as disability triathlon, why they decided to become an official before they were given an update by Maisie Bancewicz who presented a series of statistics taken from top international races.  In the afternoon the group listened to Tom Gibbs, organiser of the ITERA Expedition Race in Wales – a complex event involving many disciplines and transitions.
 
President Geoff Earl led the 2014 AGM, providing an overview of our successes over the last 12 months.  Our annual report is available here and presents and describes our year’s highlights. A great turnout once again, attendees had the chance to provide their feedback and ask questions.  A couple of motions were on the table, encouraging healthy debate where issues were shared and discussed and learning points identified.  The AGM was concluded with the showcasing of our fantastic 2014 triathlonscotland film, produced and edited by ImacImages Photography.  
 
After a day of learning, progress and discussion it was once again time to celebrate our members, in our 2014 triathlonscotland Annual Awards.  Each year our awards recognise the people who, over the past year, have made an outstanding contribution to triathlon.    Before the awards got underway we celebrated the Commonwealth Games by inviting Triathlon Clydesiders along to be recognised and thanked for their efforts and contribution during The Games.  Each Clydesider received a Team Scotland gift and we would like to extend our thanks to all that turned up on the day.  Following the Clydesiders we were privileged to have our five Commonwealth Games triathletes with us to present the awards certificates and prizes.  
 
Congratulations to triathlonscotland award winners:
 
  • Volunteer of the Year: David Boyle, Pentland Triathlon Club
  • Official of the Year: Maisie Bancewicz, Glasgow Triathlon Club
  • Coach of the Year – Participation:  Derek Halley, Perth Triathlon Club
  • Coach of the Year – Performance: Graeme Stewart, Graeme Stewart Racing/Triathlon Inverness
  • Most Enjoyable Event of the Year: Relay Wild Triathlon, Perth Triathlon Club
  • Best ComeAlongAthon Event: Dumfries and Galloway Triathlon Club
  • Athlete of the Year: Marc Austin, Fusion Triathlon Club and triathlonscotland squad member
  • Age Group Athlete of the Year: Alan Murchison
  • Paratriathlon Recognition Awards: Jane Egan, Fusion Triathlon Club and Alison Patrick, West Lothian Triathlon Club
  • Event of the Year: Aberfeldy Middle Distance Triathlon, Live Active Leisure
  • Club of the Year: St Andrews University Triathlon Club
  • Honorary Award: Arnott Kidd, Edinburgh Triathletes
 
As well as our triathlonscotland awards, we also celebrated the champions of our Legends Ranking Series.  Sponsored by Legends Promotional Products, owner Nick Oswald along with our Team Scotland athletes presented adult winners with a Wiggle voucher and our younger members took home a pair of award winning, patented Greeper shoe Laces, a signed picture of Team Scotland’s top Commonwealth Games finisher, David McNamee and a Legends pen and stylus.
  
Well done and congratulations to all of our winners from everyone at triathlonscotland!  Rankings results can be found here.  The awards brought to a close a successful day of networking, sharing and learning.  The children that turned up to receive their Legends Ranking prizes and take part in the coaching workshop were treated to meeting our top athletes and their heros, who were delighted to sign posters and have their photos taken with them.  Thank you to athletes: David McNamee, Seonaid Thompson, Natalie Milne, Marc Austin and Grant Sheldon for your contribution on the day.
 
President Geoff Earl said: “This was another successful year for the Exchange event.  It was great to see such a good turnout with representation from a wide number of clubs and members.  We welcomed the discussions and learning points the day presented us with as well as celebrating a great year, and we look forward to working hard, once again for our members over the next 12 months and the longer term.”
 
A full report of the event is available here.

 

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