Annual 'SPEAR' conference to tout importance of exercise

The Sport Psychology Organization and Research Team (SPORT), a graduate student organization at The Florida State University, will host its annual Sport Professionals’ Experience and Research (SPEAR) conference later this month.

This year’s conference will explore the theme of “The Benefits of Sport and Exercise Across a Lifespan.” Mark Krikorian, coach of the women’s soccer team at Florida State, will serve as keynote speaker.

The conference, which is free and open to the public, will take place:

FRIDAY, FEB. 19, 11:30 A.M. – 5 P.M.

SATURDAY, FEB. 20, 8:30 A.M. – 5 P.M.

ROOMS G103, G151 AND G152, STONE BUILDING

THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

1114 W. CALL ST., TALLAHASSEE

The primary goal of the SPEAR conference is for participants to better understand how sport and exercise can be used to improve quality of life across the lifespan. The event allows scholars, coaches, athletes and students to discuss the science of sport.

In addition to Krikorian, other guest speakers will include experts in the fields of sport psychology, cognitive psychology, nutrition and exercise science, balance enhancement, student-athlete services and coaching. Topics such as career development and transition, academic opportunities, character development, assisting those managing disease and the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle will be addressed.

Information will be shared in the form of presentations, a poster session and forums on the benefits of being an athlete, as well as the holistic benefits of sport and exercise.

The conference is free and open to the public; however, prior registration is required. To register, visit www.coe.fsu.edu/sport by Friday, Feb. 12.

SPORT is a student-led graduate organization developed at Florida State to foster professional development within the field of sport and exercise psychology. Through collaborative student efforts, SPORT promotes the development of competent practitioners and academicians by facilitating student research (conference presentations and publications), promoting public outreach (local presentations, newspaper and magazine articles, and conferences), and offering professional development workshops. By undertaking these projects, SPORT seeks to provide experience and create opportunities to help members prepare for future employment.

For more information about SPORT, send an e-mail to sportpsychorg@gmail.com.