Atlanta, GA. (January 9, 2009) - Following the lead of USA Cycling's Enhancing Women's Leadership in Cycling seminar is a new seminar coming to Atlanta, GA on February 7, 2009. Presented by USA Cycling, USA Triathlon, Georgia State University, and 55nine Performance, Enhancing Women's Leadership and Performance in Endurance Sports aims to educate and empower women and those that work with women on how best to enhance participation, leadership, and performance in endurance sports (running, cycling, triathlon). The intended audience is male and female coaches and trainers that work with women athletes, club directors, event organizers, and the women athletes themselves.
"The Leadership seminar offers women a great chance to learn and also develop contacts with other coaches and endurance enthusiasts. The presenters are top notch and should increase the knowledge of the participants. USA Cycling appreciates the efforts of the organizers in bringing together women interested in promoting cycling," says Sam Callan, USA Cycling's coaching and education manager.
The previous women's leadership clinic, brainchild of Kristen Dieffenbach, assistant professor of athletic coaching education at Western Virginia University and Lynda Ransdell, professor and chair of kinesiology at Boise State University, saw 32 female leaders from all levels of cycling converge to share experiences and resources. The pair, along with Sam Callan, used the session to help empower more women to enhance the sport of cycling and to get out and do something in their own communities. Namrita O'Dea of 55nine Performance in Atlanta, GA, is joining with Kristen Dieffenbach to bring the same type of education and empowerment to endurance coaches, trainers, and women athletes in the Southeastern US. "Cycling has a rich history of empowering women. I am very excited about the growing energy in the world of women's endurance sports and all the wonderful things that are being done to provide education and networking in the field. The Enhancing Women's Leadership and Performance in Endurance Sports conference will provide an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in working with women and enhancing the area of women's endurance sports," states Dieffenbach.
Topics will include Sport Physiology and Training Female Endurance Athletes, Sports Nutrition and its Current Issues in Female Athletes, Sport Psychology, and an Elite Athlete discussion panel with leaders such as Donna Garcia, Tina Pic, and Stephanie Herbst-Lucke. Michael Engleman of the USWCDP will also be present as a panelist. "Most women athletes come into cycling on an entire different path then the men as so many of the athletes we work with came from other sports. They also are very educated so it takes a special approach and relationship to work with women athletes who are postponing working careers with real incomes to try and reach the most Elite levels in a sport where the monetary reward will never be high. It is the same work ethic and drive to be the best as the men, it is just that women find different driving forces. It is important as coaches and support staff that we understand those compromises," he said.
The seminar will also count for Continuing Education hours (CEUs) for both USA Cycling and USA Triathlon coaches. Registration is online at www.bikereg.com
