PRESS RELEASE – In preparation for the proposed start of practices on January 25th, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Interscholastic Sports Association (ISA) has partnered with the Guam National Olympic Committee (GNOC) to provide a “Return to Sport” presentation for ISA coaches and athletes this week.
“The GNOC continues to provide excellent resources and support for the ISA. This presentation is just another part of their commitment to play a bigger role in high school sports on our island,” GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. “Similar to GNOC’S Athlete Awareness program, the Return to Sport presentations will feature some of Guam’s experts in various sports-related fields.”
The presentation will take place on Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The presentation is a compilation of topics that ISA League Director Al Garrido and GNOC Sports Development Officer Joey Miranda put together to address the upcoming start of sports and the need for coaches and athletes to educate themselves prior to practices and competition.
The presentations will include a segment hosted by Dr. Araina Adolphson and Dr. Luis Cruz that will address safe coaching practices and changes to sports due to COVID-19. Physiotherapists Dr. Chris Fernandez and Dr. Ryan Claros will advise on proper athlete preparation and My Plate will cover nutrition guidelines to assure healthy eating as student-athletes get back into physical training.
Coaches, assistant coaches and student-athletes may register in advance for the presentation at the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpc-yorDgpGNBiMV0nc323yBmIOa7k9S1b. After registering, athletes will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
“Our coaches are mandated to take COVID-19 training as part of their certification so this mandatory training will add to their education as well,” Garrido said. “At the moment, we are hiring for our Block 1 sports so those coaches we fully expect to be at the training. Any aspiring Block 2 sports coaches are advised to take the training now if they are available.”
The proposed ISA Block 1 sports include boys and girls volleyball, cross country, softball, and tennis.
Athlete Awareness program will continue when possible
The GNOC Medical and Anti-Doping Commission started its Athlete Awareness program last year with GDOE ISA coaches and athletes. The program began with a four-hour presentation and follow up program at GDOE schools. The program was halted when schools were closed in March, but both GNOC and GDOE look forward to its continuation sometime in the future when guidelines allow.
“The main goal of the program was to develop a better understanding for our student athletes on how to effectively prepare themselves for competition while also making choices that are beneficial to them,” Miranda said.
