First ever talent camp a huge success

Sport Northern Ireland hosted its first ever Talent Orientation Camp at the University of Ulster from the 7 – 9 August. Twenty of Northern Ireland’s most talented young athletes in six sports; badminton, cycling, judo, sailing, boxing and squash, discovered the diverse elements needed to reach the top.

The three day residential was seen as a success by both participants, their parents and the sports involved. The young athletes experienced an intense programme of workshops and practical sessions over a three day period with activities starting as early as 6.30 am and finishing at 9.30 pm.

The camp provided a unique opportunity for the athletes to receive an insight into the world of high performance sport and to critically reflect upon their own talent, ability and potential to succeed at the highest level. The athletes were challenged to think and behave like an elite performer throughout the camp and to then integrate this thinking into their future sporting career. The programme was delivered by staff from the Sports Institute Northern Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and the specific governing bodies involved.

One of the highlights of the camp was the elite athlete panel, Paddy Brown, Bridget McKeever (hockey), Neil Sinclair (boxing), Tommy Evans and Heather Wilson (cycling) were on hand to share their experiences of elite sport and allow participants to question them on all aspects of high performance.