The Lithuanian Athletics Federation (LLAF) presents a program for the development of young talented athletes. The program has been implemented since June, and an experienced specialist Evaldas Kandratavičius is obliged to supervise it. In addition, according to the specialization, coaches will be selected who will be responsible for different groups. The project is gaining momentum, as contracts with laboratories have already been signed and testing dates are planned.
“Athletics Talent” is a LLAF program for the identification and development of young talents aimed at discovering and developing talented athletes with the greatest potential to achieve high results in athletics. The program covers the youth (16-17 years) and youth (18-19 years) age groups. Young people (14-15 years old) may also be partially included as potential candidates in the future, and children aged 12-13 will also be monitored.
The program is based on a holistic approach that involves testing and evaluating both physical and psychological aspects. A talent ID profile is formed for each athlete, which allows you to personalize the educational process and provide the necessary support. This approach not only ensures the athlete’s readiness to achieve high results, but also strengthens his psychological resilience and ability to overcome challenges.
The program is based on the Long-Term Athlete Development Strategy (IALS), which focuses on the sustainable development of athletes, ensuring that they achieve their athletic maturity and high results only after achieving the right level of preparation, avoiding the negative consequences of early specialization.
The main objectives of the programme are:
1) Talent selection and group formation: Identify potentially gifted children with not only physical but also psychological abilities to achieve high athletic performance.
2) Physical and psychological education: To consistently monitor, test and develop athletes, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to reach the highest limits of their capabilities, reaching athletic maturity and avoiding the consequences of early specialization.
3) Education and support: To provide knowledge about sports, healthy lifestyles, nutrition, psychology and training methodologies by providing consultations to athletes and their families and coaches.
4) Integration into the sports community: Promote community spirit and a positive social environment so that athletes can successfully integrate into the sports community and ensure sustainable development.
This program provides young athletes with opportunities not only to achieve high athletic performance, but also to develop personally, develop life skills, and achieve long-term sports careers.
At the end of April, the National Sports Agency allocated funds from the state budget for the selection and training programmes of young people with exceptional talents, young people, and youth age groups. The funds have been allocated for this year, but LLAF hopes that the programme and its funding will be long-term, as the plans and goals are set by 2032.
More information about the program
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Photo by Darius Kibirkščis.
