Many of you have followed our Island Games adventure in Corsica, and we're delighted to have shared these moments with you. This first participation has enabled us to affirm our determination to develop high-level sport in our region.
Competing against athletes from other territories was a real challenge. To be frank, the first few days were difficult for all disciplines.
This trip enabled us to take stock of whether our 4 areas of work are moving in the right direction.
After a debriefing with the different delegations (tennis, basketball, athletics, soccer and gymnastics) here are our observations and the points we need to work on:
1. Develop a winning attitude
Surveys in the sporting world have shown that the difference between a good athlete and a top performer is the way they think. In interviews, many athletes admit to having won mentally: Serena Williams, Teddy Riner, Rafael Nadal, the French team in the 2022 World Cup final, etc.
Our athletes need to work on their stress management, emotions and mindset. At the Island Games, the posture of certain athletes from different territories showed their motivation and determination. They were less in fear of losing and more in competition.
2. Surpassing yourself, rigor, discipline
If you want to play top-level sport, you need to be rigorous. Talent alone is not enough. There's no secret to it: you have to be assiduous in your training and recover well.
Unfortunately, some athletes don't take training seriously.
3. Healthy living and healthy eating
To be at its best, the body needs not only certain nutrients, but also a balanced lifestyle.
At this level, there are neglects that need to be remedied with a rigorous and healthy dietary education and the adoption of a good sleep cycle.
The next step: CPT, regional development centers.
On June 12, 2023, we signed an agreement with the French Ministry of Education to set up the Centres de Perfectionnement Territoriaux at the start of the new school year. It's a step that will give us the opportunity to instill the values of top-level sport at a very early stage.
On June 24, 2023, we'll be meeting with parents and future student-athletes for a working meeting to provide information essential to the success of their project. These young people's main partners are, above all, their parents. They will need to be aware of their roles and the organization they will need to plan for the months and years ahead.
On August 21, the players selected during the selection day on April 22 will make their return to CPT.
We're aware that the 4 CEES areas of work require demands and sacrifices, but they'll help take us to the next level. In this way, our budding athletes can realize their full potential.
On the road to a winning attitude!
