The Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) has officially opened an accessible gym space, in partnership with UOW UniActive and with thanks to the support of the Great Illawarra Walk.
Located within the UOW Sports Hub, the space is fitted with specialised gym equipment identified by Paralympics Australia to best support para-athletes from the region.
As part of the new partnership with UOW UniActive, athletes have greater access to train in the UOW Sports Hub under the supervision of IAS strength and conditioning coaches.
Funds raised during the Academy’s affiliation with the Great Illawarra Walk in 2022 and 2023 supported the purchase of this specialised equipment. Additional equipment has also been installed in IAS partner Leisure Centres across our five local government areas (LGAs) to support athletes and community members.
“The Illawarra Academy of Sport is a fantastic organisation,” Great Illawarra Walk founder Chris Lovatt said.
“Great Illawarra Walk are thrilled to fund this new facility that will benefit athletes for many years to come.
“We hope the athletes enjoy this accessible gym space and we look forward to following the progress of the Illawarra Academy of Sport athletes as they pursue sporting success.”
UOW UniActive General Manager, Chris Fonoti knows the importance of having a facility like this in the Illawarra for athletes.
“It has been great watching the new accessible gym space take shape and we’re eager to see athletes thrive,” Fonoti said.
Illawarra Academy of Sport CEO Salv Carmusciano acknowledged the benefits of such partnerships for local athletes.
“The IAS is one of 11 Regional Academies recognised by the Australian Olympic Committee as an official Olympic Training Centre,” Carmusciano said.
“Thanks to the support of partners such as UOW and UOW UniActive, we are able to provide local athletes the best chance of realising their full athletic potential.”
Illawarra-based NSW Institute of Sport para-athletes will also benefit from using the accessible gym space as they look ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
Shawn Russell and Australian Wheelchair Basketball Team captain Tristan Knowles, who both play for the Wollongong Roller Hawks, said they are looking forward to using the new equipment.
“The equipment is awesome and it’s good to have our own little section here,” Russell said.
“It’s hard with gyms and accessibility and all the equipment being so tight, especially for people in wheelchairs and it’s hard to get around and manoeuvre.
“It’s easy for us now and we have less to stress about and the equipment will make it much easier for us.”
Knowles agreed and paid tribute to IAS Strength and Conditioning Coordinator Courtney Gallagher and the NSW Institute of Sport.
“There are many elite athletes here in the Illawarra and it’s really good for us to have a dedicated spot in the gym and we can come in and it’s been personalised for us as well,” Knowles said.
“Thanks to the Illawarra Academy of Sport who have been very supportive and thanks to Courtney and the NSW Institute of Sport for organising all the equipment we need.”
