HIGHLY-respected national coach Peter Lawler OAM is planning a weekend of practical and strength and conditioning sessions in Ipswich.

However, the free informative sessions organised by the Ipswich and District Athletics Club are not just for regional athletics coaches and competitors.

Club official Vic Pascoe said people from other sports were welcome to share Lawler’s knowledge, especially on strength and conditioning.

Former national javelin titleholder and teacher Lawler was recognised with an OAM and Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to track and field athletics.

During his elite career, Lawler won six national medals.

In 1977, he was selected to represent Australia at the Pacific Conference Games in Canberra.

Since retiring as a competitor, he has continued to teach, educating athletes and coaches.

He has worked closely as a technical and strength coach with Australia’s international throwers like Louise McPaul (Atlanta Olympic silver medallist), Andrew Currey (Australian record holder) and Olympian Adrian Hatcher.

Lawler accepted club president Bailey Pashley’s invitation to spend some time helping Ipswich regional sportspeople.  Pashley and Pascoe have got to know Lawler through athletics around the country.

Pascoe said Lawler’s unique presentation style made his sessions entertaining and beneficial.

“He’s well respected right throughout the Australian athletics community,” Pascoe said.

“He has travelled right around the world with it.  He’s right up there with strength and conditioning.

“He’s such a character that people just clammer to go and see him and listen to his talks.”

Lawler is conducting sessions at Bill Paterson Oval and the Barry Jones Auditorium on Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1.

If you’d like to attend a session, please contact me.

Valuable visit

• Saturday, November 30:  9.30-11am:  Bill Paterson Oval (practical session).  2-3.30pm:  Barry Jones Auditorium (40 South Street, Ipswich).
• Sunday, December 1:  9.30-11am:  Barry Jones Auditorium.  2-3.30pm:  Bill Paterson Oval (practical session).