were all smiles after being recognized as peer sporting figures at the Camden Council SWSAS athlete reception.
More than 50 of our region’s best young athletes from Camden and their coaching and support staff members have been recognised for their individual achievements.
The Camden Council reception for our rising sport stars was hosted by deputy mayor and South West Sydney Academy of Sport (SWSAS) board member Councillor Theresa Fedeli.
Venue for what was a spectacular night of sport story highlights and academy athlete recognition was the ultramodern Camden Council chamber at Oran Park.
The athlete recognition night is an annual event, and is also an opportunity for SWSAS athletes to practice and enhance their public speaking and media skills, with three current athletes undertaking the role of personal story tellers.
Triathlete Madelyn Manny, golfer Brandon Vella and softballer Jack Davies spoke of their personal challenges, achievements and tough training schedules via one-on-one interviews with the academy’s executive director Gerry Knights.
Manny spoke of her 15 hour per week multi-discipline triathlon training schedule, whilst Vella provided an enthralling insight into his mental preparation for golf, his excellent 4 handicap and recent hole in one.
Davies spoke of his dream to represent Australia in softball and the goals he has set himself to get there.
Each athlete also provided a personal in-depth insight into their athlete lives, including their biggest supporters, sporting heroes, greatest achievement and goals for the future.
At only 13 years of age, Nakeisha Brimble, an athletics track and field jumper, delivered an inspirational concluding speech, urging all young athletes and coaches in attendance to take responsibility for their own personal sports development and continue to work hard to achieve their goals.
Cr Fedeli and academy chairperson Peter Campbell, also took the opportunity to officially congratulate the coaches, managers and support staff members of each academy sport.
Mr Campbell reminded everyone present that Camden Council was an academy foundation council.
He also thanked Camden Council for its ongoing, outstanding support of the Academy.
If you are an individual athlete between the ages of 13 to 20 who would like to apply to become a part of the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, contact the Academy on 4627 7622, or email gerry.knights@swsas.org.au
