Sports Technology

Queensland's Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport, Phil Reeves  launched the 3rd annual Evolution of the Athlete (EOA) Conference at the start of November, a joint initiative of UQ Sport and The University of Queenslandâs School of Human Movement Studies.

With a focus on mental toughness, leadership and coaching behaviours, more than 200 coaches, teachers, trainers, sports administrators and scientists from across Australia heard from leading authorities in coaching to help them develop and inspire athletes to greater sporting success.

Rugby league's 2009 premiership winning coach Craig Bellamy shared the secrets to his success just one month after leading the Melbourne Storm to a history-making run of two premierships from four consecutive grand finals.

Bellamy's presentation focused on leadership in elite sport and drew on his extensive knowledge and experience operating at the highest levels of rugby league.

Other keynote speakers included Tennis Australiaâs Optus Davis Cup Australian Captain John Fitzgerald, former Wallaby Pat Howard and West Coast Eagles High Performance Manager Glenn Stewart.

UQ Sport's Sport Development Manager and conference coordinator Vince Kelly said the EOA Conference is unique due to its focus on helping attendees get the most out of athletes' "hearts and minds".

He explained "at the conference some of Australiaâs best sporting prowess shared their experiences, knowledge and philosophies on coaching by focusing on mental toughness, leadership and coaching behaviours.

"This approach is fairly unique given that most coaching conferences tend to focus on technical skill development.

"The EOA Conference is really the only multi-sport conference in the Australia Pacific region that focuses on the soft skills of coaching .

"We received extremely positive feedback from participants and plans are currently underway for next year."

For more information go to www.eoaconference.com.au