Some of Aoraki secondary schools' most promising sporting talent get a chance to hone their talents in an intensive four-day Sport Academy hosted at the Lincoln University High Performance Centre.

This year 13 local exponents of basketball, cycling and golf have been included in the 34-strong academy.

Lincoln University high performance fitness manager Peter Magson has drawn up a programme where all students will gain a heightened awareness of the demands, expectations and personal commitment to compete at the highest level.

The students will learn about nutrition, team building, sports strapping, fitness, conditioning and testing. They will also receive coaching from proven national and regional coaches, including Canterbury Basketball development officer Terry Brunel.

Golf will be taken by former New Zealand pro Jason Tilley while the cyclists will be coached by international Paul Odlin.

Aoraki sports director Bob Pringle said the group also benefit from a "taste of life after school' in a tertiary setting as they stay in a university hostel.

They will also have a lecture on "Sporting Pathways" within sport and recreation at Lincoln University, he said.

South Canterbury participants

Basketball: Kate Mulligan (Geraldine) Amelia Manson (TGHS), Ruby Cochrane (Waimate), Cameron Keelty, Jackson Smith, Tom McRobie (TBHS).

Cycling: Fabian Wybrow (Roncalli), Analiese Le Roy, Paige Thornley, Hannah Day (TGHS).

Golf: Matt Bowater, Matt Mclean (TBHS), Nathan Williams (Waimate).

- © Fairfax NZ News

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