IAS overhaul for a new sporting era
July 05, 2007
Section: Sport
UNCOVERING and nurturing the next Brett Lee, Ben Kersten or Sally Fitzgibbons is the motivation for a possible revamp of the Illawarra Academy of Sport's (IAS) programs for next year and beyond.
The IAS announced recently that it would review its existing programs and invite new sports to apply for inclusion in the academy from 2008 to 2010.
This represents the first possible change to the Academy's programs in more than a decade.
"The fabric of sporting participation and development changes over time," IAS chairman Brian Weir said.
"We've seen the region change greatly over the last few years and the Academy's board is keen to reflect such change in our services at the pre-elite sport level.
"We need to ensure we also identify and nurture the next Brett Lee, Ben Kersten or Sally Fitzgibbons."
Existing programs will be required to apply for inclusion for the next two years at the same time as potential new sports.
All programs accepted for 2008 to 2010 will be subject to an annual review.
Among the benefits for sports under the IAS umbrella are high standard coaching, sports science assessments of athletes, personal development opportunities and high-level competition and tours.
There are 11 programs operating at the IAS at the moment.
Applications for inclusion in the IAS programs for 2008-2010 close on August 31, 2007.
For more information visit www.ias.org.au or contact Executive Director Mark Brogan on 4283 5611.