The 2015 South West Sydney Academy of Sport annual graduation awards gala evening had it all.
Held in the Campbelltown Catholic Club’s great venue, The Cube, it was once again overflowing with glittering guests, including some of Australia’s champion athletes, local sporting legends, sporting organization chiefs, politicians and local government representatives.
They were all there to witness the outstanding achievements of our region’s most talented young athletes, and they weren’t disappointed.
The night reflected the widespread view that the South West Sydney Academy of Sport (SWSAS), led by long serving executive director Gerry Knights, is a quiet achiever going from strength to strength.
The theme of the night – the outcomes you can only achieve through commitment and hard work – was a pointer to the reasons behind their success over the years.
And there was no better example for that than the person who was named SWSAS athlete of the year.
Jessica Cronje, the 17 year old wheelchair basketballer and parathlete, was a popular choice to take out the main award out of 10 exceedingly worthy award nominees representing 10 individual sports.
True to the ideals of SWSAS Jessica has identified herself as an extraordinary hard working and inspirational athlete.
Earlier this year she was selected in the Australian Gliders team to compete in the Osaka Cup in Japan, where the Australian team went on to claim a bronze medal.
This was Jessica Cronje’s first experience of international competition.
In late June and July this year she represented Australia in the World Championships held in Beijing China, where Australia won a silver medal, after being defeated by Great Britain in the final.
Jessica, who is currently studying for her HSC exams, continues her rigorous training program and travels in preparation for the Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games qualifiers in November.
She is determined to win selection in February for the 2016 Paralympic Games.
And while Jessica’s award was the highlight of the SWSAS night of nights, messages from a who’s who of Australia’s sporting heroes also resonated at The Cube last week.
And local sporting greats in attendance were in high demand for photographs and autographs by the academy’s future stars and not so young supporters.
The Member for Camden, Chris Patterson, represented the NSW Minister for Sport on the night.
Mr Patterson spoke passionately about the important role of the academy to our region and congratulated its athletes, its 70 plus volunteer coaching and support staff members, and the hundreds of supportive parents associated with the academy.
Local politicians representing all levels of government across the academy’s catchment area also acknowledged the virtues of SWSAS.
And academy executive director Gerry Knights praised the outstanding support it receives from its major partners, including the Campbelltown Catholic Club and Illawarra Coal’s SOUTH32 division, State and Local government, senior sporting organisations and its local business partners.
“The partnership with these leading organisations and the inclusion of additional quality businesses is paramount to the sustainability and growth of our local academy,’’ Mr Knights said.
David Trodden, NSW Rugby League CEO and Carolyn Campbell, Netball NSW CEO, both expressed their pride in the achievements of our region’s finest young athletes and congratulated all associated with the academy’s amazing growth over recent years.
With a large number of state sporting organizations represented in the audience, Mr Trodden provided a memorable tribute to the work of the academy, in its support and development of rugby league in Sydney’s south west, in partnership with our local NRL club the Wests Tigers, Country Group 6 Rugby League and the Wests Magpies.
Carolyn Campbell, an instrumental figure in the staging of this year’s Netball World Cup currently taking place at Olympic Park, when pressed identified Great Britain and not New Zealand to play the Australian Diamonds in the tournament final.
A full list of academy award winners is available on the Academy website.
♦ To find out how to assist our region’s finest hard working athletes realise their sporting dreams contact Gerry Knights 4627 7622, 0407 415 847 or via email at gerry.knights@swsas.org.au.
