GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 23 – April 10, 2015 | Page 8
Following the North American County Board
convention in Orlando, the NACB made the
decision to support a push into school PE programs as the next logical step for games development in the US. Mainstreaming the sports is
now seen as providing many solid advantages,
the least of which allows Gaelic games to play
to one of its true strengths – the multiplicity of
skills used during play. As Mr. McCarthy put it,
“We have previously promoted Gaelic games in
the US primarily from the point of view of their
uniqueness, but working with PE professionals
allows us to focus on the actual benefits of play.”
Terry Lynch, the NACB Coach Educator chairperson, says that the SHAPE is the perfect vehicle for getting GAA noticed and its games
showcased.
“There is no better forum than the SHAPE
America convention to get the word out about
the actual benefits of play to PE and fitness professionals. SHAPE (The Society for Health and
Physical Educators) is the largest organization
in the world for PE, fitness and related professions,” he said.
“SHAPE’s convention provided teachers with
NACB Booth at the SHAPE Convention with Tracy Schellberg and Terry
Lynch. Photo: Kathlyn Quinn.
many different opportunities for professional
development, advocacy and numerous resources for their classrooms. It presents a wide variety of
group has been trained by Croke Park and Munster
seminars and programs to teachers and also provides
council to convene formal GAA coach certification
a comprehensive exhibit hall, where NACB operated its
courses. The tutors also connect with active coaches
booth.”
in the various NACB divisions with the latest in coaching resources. Lynch also acts as the interface between
NACB and the GAA in Ireland on coach certification
SCHOOLS PROGRAM
and coach resource issues.
As NACB Coach Education chair Lynch is responsible
for coordinating the activities of 30 Coach Education
Seattle’s location for this year’s SHAPE America convenTutors presently active in the US (NY is separate). This
tion was seen as a strong advantage. As Gaelic Sports
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