Some of the Wingecarribee’s most talented young athletes were recently recognised at the Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayoral Reception.
The event, held at the Wingecarribee Shire Council Civic Centre in Moss Vale, celebrated the outstanding achievements of the 20 Illawarra Academy of Sport scholarship athletes from the Wingecarribee region.
Illawarra Academy of Sport athletes and their parents enjoyed hearing from and meeting with Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick, IAS President Sharon Wingate and Member for Whitlam Carol Berry MP.
Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick said he is proud of the Council’s commitment to investing in youth development.
“I firmly believe that investing in young people is one of the most important responsibilities we have. When we support young local talent, we are shaping the future of our Shire,” Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
“Sport plays a significant role in that. Participation in physical activity supports wellbeing, builds discipline and strengthens connections within our community.”
Illawarra Academy of Sport netball athlete Emily King 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.
“Being part of the Illawarra Academy of Sport over the past year has been a game-changer for me, and I know I speak for all athletes when I say that,” King said.
“The IAS program is so much more than just extra training sessions. It gives us access to elite coaching, strength and conditioning programs, and vital education sessions around sport-specific topics to develop us both personally and professionally. In the Highlands, we often spend a lot of time in the car travelling for our sport, but the IAS makes that effort feel worth it, developing and elevating athletes to higher representative honours.
“Our coaches at the IAS are truly special to be able to work with our sleep-deprived, stressed and tired bodies, somehow creating better athletes on and off the court. To the IAS coaches, staff and board members, thank you for working behind the scenes to run this incredible program that is the Illawarra Academy of Sport – an Academy of high standards across 40 years.
“Thank you to the Wingecarribee Shire Council for your ongoing support and for investing in the future of local sport. Your ongoing support provided for local athletes makes it possible for us to continue in the pathways of our sport without the barriers that come with living regionally. It’s a proud feeling to wear the IAS uniform and know that our local council is standing behind us.”
Illawarra Academy of Sport President Sharon Wingate praised the efforts of Wingecarribee Shire Council and thanked the organisation for their contribution towards the IAS.
“Thank you to Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick and the Wingecarribee Shire Council for the continued support of young athletes in this region,” Wingate said.
“The Illawarra Academy of Sport program only exists because of long-standing partnerships with Councils, the endorsement of the Office of Sport, and advocacy of State and Federal MPs. Their belief in our delivery model allows us to maintain the one thing we value the most, a fee-free scholarship so talented athletes can access high-performance development regardless of circumstance.
“Congratulations to the athletes. We are proud to recognise you and even more excited to see what comes next.”
Member for Whitlam Carol Berry MP praised the IAS athletes and wished them well for the future.
“The Illawarra Academy of Sport has some outstanding young athletes. The next generation of athletes is ready to continue this extraordinary legacy, and I wish all of them well as they train hard to chase their dreams.”
