For more information, contact:
The St. Louis Sports Commission
314-992-0687
dbray@stlouissports.org

SPORTS COMMISSION’S FREE TRACK & FIELD COACHES CLINIC FEATURES OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST

ST. LOUIS – Feb. 21, 2006 – Olympic gold medalist Ray Armstead is the featured instructor at the St. Louis Sports Commission’s free “Coach it Right!” track & field coaches clinic on Saturday, March 11 at Florissant Valley Community College.

The clinic takes place from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the second floor of the Physical Education Building located at 3400 Pershall Road. Coaches will learn how to teach proper techniques for running relays, sprinting, hurdles and distance events. The clinic features a one-of-a-kind “jump school” – a 90-minute session dedicated to teaching coaches proper techniques for jumping events. In addition, participants will receive tips on nutrition, sports psychology, and the importance of sportsmanship.

Armstead, a St. Louis native and gold medalist in the 4 x 400 meter relay at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angles, is joined by LeVar Anderson, a 2004 Olympic trials qualifier, and Denise McField, an assistant coach at Normandy high school and the master's indoor 400-meter world record holder.

To register for the clinic, call 314-992-0689 or visit www.stlsports.org/kids.

Throughout the year, the Sports Commission organizes free “Coach it Right!” clinics that educate and motivate volunteer youth coaches in various sports. The clinics emphasize the value of sportsmanship and develop coaching skills to help participants become better coaches, and in turn, lead to more positive experiences for area children on the playing field. The clinics are part of the Sports Commission’s Youth Programs, which help young people from St. Louis live healthier, happier and more productive lives through sports.

In 2005, the Sports Commission hosted clinics for track and field, baseball, soccer, and basketball coaches. More than 400 coaches attended the clinics. With each coach working with approximately 20 kids, the clinics had a positive impact on some 8,000 young athletes in the St. Louis area.