Samantha Slade
Samantha Slade may be a new arrival to the Moutere area, but she has certainly made her mark. With 20 years experience coaching gymnastics and a genuine love of the sport, she runs a fantastic ‘whole body movement programme’ in three venues in the Tasman district (Upper Moutere, Mapua and Riwaka).
Sam is also a course presenter for GymSports New Zealand (the national gymnastics governing body), teaching the next generation of play gym coaches around New Zealand.
The sessions are called ‘whole body movement programme’ because they do just that. By focusing on all seven fundamental movement patterns (swing, spring, landing, rotation, manipulation skills, balance and locomotion) they develop the mind and body. No other sport encompasses all seven movement patterns needed for the global development of a child. Each week the skills progress and change by using different equipment at different heights.
The structure of the sessions is kept the same so that children know what to expect. They start with some group mat time using hand apparatus, music or game depending on the age and focus of the session followed by a few simple stretches to prepare the body and mind for the harder tasks ahead. Then the children move to the equipment and have four or five goes on each circuit. This means the children do not have to stand in queues waiting for their turn, but can keep moving and practicing the skills they have learnt. The session finishes with a cool down as a group on the mats.
All this helps develop the child’s coordination, confidence and self esteem, teaching them exercise is fun and they are capable of doing all sorts of things as long as they give it a go. One of Sam’s greatest pleasures is in seeing these children grow to be healthy, happy people full of enthusiasm and enjoying a wide range of sports.
For more information about times of sessions please contact Sam on samantha_slade@hotmail.com or 03 543 2521
