02/25/82 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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I 4 Specifically, I look forward to the Athletic Section furthering the many excellent 11111 ideas and programs that have already been suggested in that section. As professionals , we need continuing educational opportunities for ourselves, coaches, sports officials and others. We need to advance specialized programs for other age groups as well as for the most popular adult age groups. Handicapped athletics should be expanded. Just last year MRPA devoted an entire publication of Spirit to the subject of youth sports. That issue focused on such issues as the changing roles and responsibilities of coaches , volunteers, emphasis on winning and a challenge for MRPA to become more involved in providing a sports clearinghouse to gather and dispense information on sport psychology, operating programs, coaches ' training programs and related research. A professional organization such as ours should be responsible to address such issues and a host of other recreational sports issues as well . Incidentally, the MRPA has worked considerably with the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (affiliated with the National Recreation and Park Association) and the MRPA is presently exploring our affiliation with NYSCA, (As an added editorial -comment, the National Youth Sports Coaches Association in cooperation with NRPA is sponsoring a one day workshop on training the volunteer coach on February 25, 1982 at the Holiday Inn Downtown, Mankato, Minnesota and on February 26, 1982 at Fairview Community Center, Roseville, Minnesota) . MRPA will take the lead in advancing professional continuing education and training opportunities. We have exerted professionalism in the past in advancing a respected and renowned recreational sports program and through the MRPA, we will continue our professional obligations in the future. Please be assured I will be most appreciative if you would address your comments, 111/1 questions and concerns to me, other MRPA Board or Athletic Section members who are directly responsible for implementing a recreational sports program. I also extend an invitation, on behalf of the MRPA Board of Directors, to visit with you and/or your athletic organizations to further discuss the MRPA recreational sports program. Again, I well realize the magnitude of future athletic decisions we will be facing in developing and supporting a comprehensive recreational sports program. Last December in accepting the responsibilities of President of the MRPA, I pledged my utmost abilities in accomplishing the goals and objectives of our professional organization. In turn, I am entrusting in you as professional people and as friends the need to push together towards common professional objectives and meaning programs. Together, we have awesome respon- sibilities and collectively we will meet those challenges through our professional Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. Then, and only then, will we achieve a common vision - together. Very truly yours, ,1- 4'. ;CCN s411C-..- John W. Christian President 111/1