TERM 2 CHALLENGES Term 2 presented a very different scenario for sport at Dio. Lockdown meant that all sport across the nation, from grass roots to national and international levels was put on hold; some competitions postponed or modified, others cancelled for 2020.
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io provided a number of home programmes to keep the girls, their parents and the staff active during lockdown. Four times a week Fitness Centre Manager Bella provided 45-minute workout videos that ranged from core to all over body workouts. These were very well received by our community and will be used in the future as part of the Fitness Centre programmes. The Sports Department also offered some sport-specific programmes for water polo and hockey. Diocesan’s Water Polo Manager Gabby Oloapu set up resources for the girls to use during lockdown. There were even some home pool sessions for the girls to train remotely with their peers. One of our favourite moments was when Lucy and Emma Gilleece’s sausage dog decided to join in their training! The girls were also sent quizzes including general knowledge and iconic ‘what happened next?’ videos. They had a daily schedule to follow that incorporated land-based training, including ball-handling skills and Zoom fitness sessions three times per week where they could link up with their teammates. Gabby also conducted some tactical sessions with various teams to get them ready to get back into the pool. It was a great way to stay connected. Hockey Manager Jason Butcher engaged with the hockey community in a number of ways throughout lockdown. There were online live development sessions (run through Zoom) including pilates with ex Kookaburra Nick Budgeon, skill development and goalkeeper sessions, as well as culture
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workshops. Jason also ran some fun activities with the girls including weekly quiz competitions with prizes and technique feedback using sports software Hudl. Just in case the girls needed more to occupy themselves, a number of other resources were distributed, including running conditioning home programmes, goalkeeper and field player simulated running, strength and skill development using a video resource, a goalkeeper development programme, and stick handling video tutorial resources.
