With the medal achievements of Australia’s current crop of athletes at the 2018 Commonwealth Games athletes still ringing in our ears, the next group of sporting stars will soon show us what they’ve got in the 2018 ClubsNSW Academy Games.
South West Sydney Academy of Sport athletes will represent our region in a wide range of the 17 sports on offer at the Academy Games.
The largest ever contingent of 126 athletes and 22 support staff members will fly the south west Sydney flag.
Academy executive director Gerry Knights says a party of this magnitude “clearly demonstrates the quality level of our area’s young athletes and the skills and dedication of local coaches and sports administrators’’.
“The development of a ‘holistic athlete’ is the work of many, from parents, family, friends, clubs and associations,’’ Mr Knighs said.
“And, when an athlete succeeds in their chosen sport, all should bask in their glory, especially their local community.’’
Knights reflected on a speech made by Wilton’s 2018 Commonwealth Games track cyclist and gold medal winner Kaarle McCulloch.
At a recent local academy graduation dinner, Kaarle indicated that it was a very tough time in her sporting career, and spoke about what it takes to confront your fears and go on and set new goals when everything seems to be stacked against you.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Kaarle is an inspiration to our nation and her local community, and an inspirational figure to all athletes to never give up if the desire is there to compete,’’ Knights said.[/social_quote]
“Our local future stars will compete against the state’s best academy athletes across six sports, fielding boys and girls teams in basketball, hockey and softball, plus women’s AFL and division one and two teams in netball and golf,’’ Mr Knights said.
He said he expected the level of completion would be high, but with state sporting organisation selectors viewing the talent on display across many sports, the rewards could also be high.
The 2018 Academy Games will be held during April 27-29 across the Hunter region, with ClubsNSW committing to again being the event’s naming rights partner and financially committing $50,000 per year to the event for the next three years.
With one eye always on the future development of the local academy, Mr Knights said: “The end of the tax year is fast approaching, and the academy would love to see additional local business come on board to help us support additional sports currently waiting to be part of our development pathway.
“If you enjoy watching Australians compete on the world stage, this could be your chance to say, I supported that local athlete,’’ Mr Knights said.
For information regarding the academy contact Gerry Knights on 0407 415 847 or 4627 7622, or online at www.swsas.org.au
