Polytech to offer Bachelor of Sports

Abby Goldie

Some of the region's most promising young athletes will no longer have to leave the Bay of Plenty in order to chase a career in the sports industry.

The welcome news comes with the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic's announcing it will deliver the full AUT three-year Bachelor of Sport and Recreation in Tauranga.

The polytechnic's group leader of sport and recreation, Peter Sommers, described the addition as an exciting move for the tertiary institution.

"We've worked closely with local industry for a large number of years to ensure that we offer the best available sport and fitness programmes," said Peter.

"It was a natural progression to move to a full three-year degree covering the most up-to-date research and practice.

"The AUT Sport & Recreation degree is a highly respected qualification. We chose it particularly for its strong reputation both here in New Zealand and internationally."

New Zealand age group representative sprinter Abby Goldie, who has already been accepted to the AUT course for next year, said it was great that high performance athletes in the region now have better options for study closer to home.

She had not yet made up her mind whether she would stay in the Bay to study or head to Auckland.

She will continue her preparations for the upcoming nationals..

The AUT programme includes courses in human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, coaching and athletic conditioning.

The programme will commence in March 2014.