Wingecarribee’s brightest young athletes were recently recognised at the Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayoral Reception.
Illawarra Academy of Sport athletes and their parents enjoyed hearing from and meeting with Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick, and other esteemed and valued members of the Wingecarribee community and the IAS.
Illawarra Academy of Sport triathlon athlete Pixie Hanson (13) spoke on behalf of the Wingecarribee cohort, outlining the positive impact that the IAS has had on her sporting journey, and thanked Wingecarribee Shire Council for their ongoing support.
“Soon after meeting Ben Bell (IAS triathlon head coach), I was offered a scholarship with the IAS and joined the triathlon program. At my first IAS bike training session, I got to ride on the wheel of Mitchell Blackbourn. Mitch was the senior boy in the IAS squad and had just returned from the World Junior Triathlon Championships in Germany. Bike training is fast and close, and not without risk. Dad was horrified, but I was hooked. It made 6am swim training seem even more dull,” Hanson said.
“And that was my introduction to the IAS – amazing coaches, motivated athletes and incredible opportunities to learn and progress. Just last night, I was part of a zoom session with Matt Hauser – the Australian triathlete who finished 7th at the Paris Olympics. A few weeks ago, I met Emma Jeffcoat – another Australian triathlete who competed at the Tokyo Olympics. She’s now a professional athlete in Europe.
“None of this would be possible without Wingecarribee Council or the IAS. It’s easy for country athletes to be over-looked, and we already do things the hard way – many of us train alone and travel long distances to compete.
“Our scholarships with the IAS give us a better opportunity to compete at the state and national level, and in my case, mix it with the Queenslanders (who all seem to be elite athletes by the time they’re 10). I’m sure the team sport athletes have similar experiences, as would Drew in athletics and Harry in mountain biking.
“On behalf of the athletes, I’d like to thank Wingecarribee Council and the IAS for your support. We really appreciate it. We might wear the red uniforms of Illawarra, but we’re just as proud to represent our community in the Southern Highlands.”
Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick said he is proud of the Council’s commitment to investing in youth development.
“Through initiatives like the Illawarra Academy of Sport, we aim to inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders,” Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
“At the top of my list of priorities is investing in our youth, as this is an investment in the future of our community.
“Nothing is more important than the understanding that our youth are tomorrow’s leaders, and we must celebrate them and foster their journey to adulthood.”
Illawarra Academy of Sport President Sharon Wingate praised the efforts of Wingecarribee Shire Council and thanked the organisation for their contribution towards the IAS.
“It is a privilege to stand here today as President of the Illawarra Academy of Sport as we celebrate our talented young athletes from the Wingecarribee region as they embark on their 12-month scholarship journey, and it’s an opportunity to recognise the support and collaboration that makes this possible,” Wingate said.
“I’d like to congratulate Cr Jesse Fitzpatrick on being elected Mayor and warmly welcome you as the Wingecarribee Foundation Member of the Academy. I also extend my congratulations to all councillors recently elected to the Wingecarribee Shire Council. Your leadership and partnership, along with that of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven councils, and the University of Wollongong, are vital to the continued success of the Academy and its fee-free programs – the only Academy in NSW that offers these opportunities to the youths of our community, not just those whose family can afford to pay. This is only possible with their funding, alongside that of our sponsors and the Office of Sport.
“The 2025 IAS scholarship intake also coincides with our upcoming 40th anniversary. Since 1985, the Illawarra Academy of Sport has built an extensive honour roll of world-class champions, including recent Olympic and Paralympic successes in Paris.
“This Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayoral Reception event is an official recognition of your scholarship journey, which started with the induction last month and will conclude at the Presentation Evening in 12 months’ time. As you progress through the program, please take full advantage of everything it offers – not only for your sporting development, but also for the pride and investment of your families and the Wingecarribee community that believes in your overall potential.”
