What’s the value of sport? New Zealand’s elite rowers were in action at Karāpiro this weekend, as part of their trials for #ParisOlympics2024. Not many sports can line up the best in the world, together with novice, school, club and emerging athletes in the same competition. What an inspirational opportunity for aspiring rowers to see the best compete for a New Zealand seat, while they too put their best performance on the water. Over the weekend there was the full spectrum of highs and lows at the regatta - moments of triumph and heartbreak. From water like glass to wind and rain. The athletes rowed through it all. And their supporters didn’t stop cheering. This is sport, right?! What a privilege for these events to be in our own backyard. Some reflections: * Coaches and sports leaders are essential to set up a team to perform with success * Preparation is critical * Communication is a cornerstone to success including great team culture * Hard work matters * Adversity happens, even for the best. When it does, there’s a need to manage emotions, adapt and make practical choices about how to respond * Mistakes are an opportunity to learn, if you’re prepared to take feedback on board * Sport provides an opportunity to build confidence individually and as a collective * There is true value from a sense of belonging that can come with involvement in sport and being part of a team. If you or young people can get involved, do * Acknowledgement and a little praise can go a long way for someone learning or trying something new * Enjoy the experience and celebrate the moments with your people * Volunteers are amazing * There is a collective responsibility to be fair and play by the rules And isn’t the connection that comes from involvement in sport fantastic. It was great to see many familiar faces out and about as the #nextgen get involved. What’s your experience with sport, teams, performance and culture …? #Sport #TeamCulture #HighPerformingTeams
Kevin Kingston
7mo
Confidence, comradery, and brotherhood stand out for me 🙂
Daniel Hopper
7mo
Volunteers are amazing: I love that
Jay Barrett
7mo
Fantastic reflections Andrea! For me, sport brings this perfect mix of camaraderie to continue furthering how a sport performs, challenging the status quo of how something is done, and connection with like minded people. I was fortunate with my experiences and am extremely grateful for the people I met!
Pip Mears
7mo
Wow Andrea and here was me thinking you were just chilling enjoying the races 😉 Once again your reflections are on point. It was a great experience for all involved, including the spectators - I learnt a lot.
Simon Wickham
7mo
Unquestionably sport has been the best real world learning "university" for my own life and my own leadership practice as well as what I share at www.leadwell.nz Andrea Twaddle. So many lessons learnt from successes, failures and the joy found in the effort of giving it a go, whatever the outcome. I've learned Did Not Win still beats Did Not Finish, Did Not Try, Did Not Start, Did Not Train, Did not have the courage to think I could or overcome the fear of doubt I couldn't. Sport delivered well has so much to offer in building great citizenship and robust communities. Thanks for prompting the thoughts and sharing your reflections too. I'm enjoying reading others reflections here too
Emma Bryant
7mo
Sport is about so much more than competition. It’s a demonstration of commitment, values, collaboration and collective effort. The skills learnt throughout a sporting practice are entirely transferable to general life, but it’s also important to consider the aspects of sport such as elitism, privilege, and inclusivity (or lack thereof) and how we can work to improve that.
Gerard Elwell
7mo
Having trained and competed in rowing at secondary schools level many years ago, I found it to be a fantastic environment where the elite rowers were humble and helpful to the juniors and even novices. It is also one of the ultimate team sports. Little wonder that a major political party used rowing along with some Eminem beats to garner support.
Don Good
6mo
Well said Andrea, sport is to be valued and rowing is an amazing sport for the athletes and their families. The rowing course on Lake Karapiro is one of the jewels in Waipa's crown
Breton Dobbs
7mo
So true. Fabulous observations and insights from Andrea Twaddle. These observations and insights are not unquie to the sporting world. They are just as relevant and applicable to the workplace.
Portfolio Manager at Shoof International Ltd
7moI’m a firm believer that every kid should do some sport. As fun & rewarding as winning is more importantly sport teaches you how to lose - and we lose more times in life than we win. Knowing how to reflect, adapt, persevere, take criticism, improve discipline, communicate, enjoy the journey and get up and go again are all life skills that lead to resilience.