With attendance numbers up 30 percent compared to the previous edition of SASRECON and praise for the quality of the proceedings from all quarters, it's clear that this year's edition of the Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) flagship event was a huge success for all involved.
The 2010 SASRECON, held in Durban over three days, is South Africa's primary sport science conference, and acts as a forum for scientists and sport practitioners to meet and learn from each other.
It was the first time that coaches and other sports people formed a large part of the audience, stimulating discussions and increasing the value of the event.
The full three day program features presentations from three leading international sports experts in the fields of physical education, recreation and sport science. All three also actively participated in other discussions, sharing their experience and expertise with delegates.
Most South African universities participated in the program, presenting papers on topics such as kinetics, nutrition, sport physiology, and physical development.
It is clear that SASRECON stimulated debate particularly around physical education, which was one of the sub-themes of the conference. Discussions were given impetus by the Minister of Sport and Recreation's call for action to build and enhance physical education during his opening address.
An exhibition of sports equipment suppliers, sport publications and partner organisations such as Theta also added value to the conference.
The final day of the event finished off with a commitment by sport scientists to enhance communication of research results to practitioners to ensure greater implementation of findings by coaches, technical personnel and administrators in sport.
NB: SRSA is currently busy uploading all presentations to its website; all presentations will be available by 30 August 2010.
The next SASRECON will be held in 2012, with the location still to be decided.
Source: Sport and Recreation South Africa
2010 South African Sport and Recreation Conference (SASRECON) closes on a high note
