Wollongong’s brightest young athletes were recently recognised at the Wollongong City Council Mayoral Reception.
The event, held at WIN Stadium, celebrated the outstanding achievements of the 77 Illawarra Academy of Sport scholarship athletes from the Wollongong local government area.
Illawarra Academy of Sport athletes and their families enjoyed hearing from and meeting with Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown, IAS President Sharon Wingate, and other esteemed and valued members of the Illawarra Academy of Sport and the Wollongong community.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said Wollongong has a proud history of producing talented athletes and recognised the role that the Illawarra Academy of Sport plays in youth development.
“If you look at any national or internationally recognised athlete who came from our region, chances are they had some involvement with the Illawarra Academy of Sport,” Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
“With the coaching, guidance and support of the Academy, local athletes have realised their dream to represent their region, their state and in some cases their country.
“The Academy’s role in the Illawarra is an important one. The Academy identifies young sports people and nurtures their talents, giving young people from the region an opportunity to excel in their chosen sports.
“I would like to commend the Illawarra Academy of Sport for their fantastic work and wish the athletes all the best with their scholarships and sporting endeavours.”
Illawarra Academy of Sport netball umpires athlete Stevie Hopkinson delivered a vote of thanks speech on behalf of the Wollongong athletes outlining the positive impact that the IAS has had on her sporting journey and thanking Wollongong City Council for their ongoing support.
“Being part of the IAS has been an incredible journey, the kind where you look back and realise just how much you’ve grown, not just as an athlete, but as a person,” she said.
“Between the training sessions, the workshops, and the friendships we’ve built along the way, we’ve all become stronger, more confident, and definitely better at early‑morning starts than we ever expected, even with the music choices in the morning gym.
“None of this would be possible without the support of Wollongong City Council. Your commitment to local athletes doesn’t just help us perform better, it helps us become better. You’ve created an environment where we can grow physically, mentally, socially, and sometimes even emotionally like when we’re trying to stretch after leg day. Your support truly shapes our holistic development, and we are incredibly grateful.”
Illawarra Academy of Sport President Sharon Wingate praised the efforts of Wollongong City Council and thanked the organisation for their contribution towards the IAS.
“Thank you to Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown and Wollongong City Council for your continued support of young athletes in this region. Your support as a Foundation Member of the Academy has always been both visible and valued. Wollongong has always played an important role in the Academy,” she said.
“To our athletes — congratulations. We’re proud to recognise you today and even more excited to see what comes next.
“Enjoy this moment, keep working hard, stay connected to your community, and make the most of your time with us.”
