Mayor George Brticevic set the tone of council’s annual civic reception for South West Sydney Academy of Sport athletes who hail from Campbelltown.
He spoke passionately about Campbelltown Campbelltown Council’s support of local sport at all levels, including the development of the Macarthur FC Bulls A-League franchise and the Sports and Health Centre of Excellence.
Campbelltown arts centre was once again the venue for this annual recognition of the achievements of local athletes representing nine varied sports.
But the highlights of the evening were the moving and stirring personal sports stories from three academy athletes.
One by one, each athlete expounded their individual account, of commitment to hard work, the challenges of time management, varied levels of success, disappointments and their numerous individual support systems.
Each personal interview with the academy’s CEO Gerry Knights delved deep into their intense training schedule, including why they are so committed to training and self-improvement, and their goals and challenges they have faced since becoming a talent identified academy athlete.
“The SWSAS DAP program is an awesome experience because the academy coaches have improved my all-round game so much,’’ was the response form basketballer Simun Krpez.
“Which made me set a goal to be an even better athlete and strive for the ultimate success of playing for Australia and nd being one of the best players to come out of our country.’’
Olivia Cole, who represented the academy women’s AFL program, was asked: what is the most valuable single thing she has gained from the program?
“The importance of communication on and off the field, as well as leadership and teamwork.’’
BMX squad member Jye Furner, also spoke highly of his coaches and support staff members and how beneficial the academy’s high performance training camps are.
He also spoke passionately about his dream to race in America and how he is going to try and make a living out of BMX racing.
Concluding the event, netballer Hinemoa Boylan spoke movingly on behalf of all athletes and reiterated the earlier words of academy chairperson Peter Campbell, by thanking Campbelltown City Council for its valued and on-going support of the academy and specifically its Campbelltown athletes.
Should you be interested in becoming a South West Sydney Academy of Sport athlete and are between the ages of 13 and 20, contact the Academy on 4627 7622, 0407 415 847, or email gerry.knights@swsas.org.au
- Last Friday, May 24, 20 teams took part in the academy’s annual charity golf day at Campbelltown Golf Club, which raised $9,000. Shorrocks Human Movement and Rehabilitation Services were naming rights sponsor of the day. Pictured below are some of the academy’s golfers, who took part in the fundraiser.
