Athletes from across regional NSW converged on the NSW entral Coast last weekend to participate in the Annual ClubsNSW Academy Games. The Illawarra Academy of Sport was represented by sixty-six athletes across four sporting competitions including Golf, Hockey, Netball and Triathlon. The Regional Academies of Sport Incorporated (RASi) established the Academy Games in 2005 as a means of demonstrating and celebrating the wonderful talent of Academy athletes from across regional NSW, in an environment that supports high standards in competition, respect and responsibility. There are currently eleven Academies across regional NSW. The IAS Golf team came away from the Academy Games with four medals. Danni Vasquez was the most successful player in the squad that travelled away for the games. Danni won the two-day event by an impressive 12 shots. In second place was another IAS member in Kelsey Bennett who played solid golf over the two days on two very demanding golf courses. In the boys division Luke Taylor was our best performer finishing in 4th place. Luke has been improving in every event that he plays in. The IAS team finished in 3rd place this year. This was good considering our two best performing players were away playing in other events across the country. Overall this event was great for our Athletes to test their skills on two very challenging courses. It was also a very good team-building event as the Athletes do not get a chance to travel away as a team in their sport very often. This opportunity helps to build relationships and allows the players to learn in a friendly environment while having a great time.
