The Academy was well represented at the 2019 NSW Government reception for Regional Academies. (Left to Right) Chairperson Peter Campbell, Rory Southwell, Amanda Blunt (South32), Madelyn Manny and Board Members Cr. Blair Briggs, Michelle Caruso and Cr. Charishma Kaliyanda

From the desk of the Sports Program Manager...

Welcome to our November Newsletter edition, providing you with all the latest regarding what is happening at 'your very own' local Regional Academy of Sport.

Parliamentary Reception
Academy and BMX athlete of the year, Rory Southwell and Triathlon program athlete of the year, Madelyn Manny were on hand to represent SWSAS at the annual NSW Government Parliamentary Reception to recognise the achievements of NSW Regional Academies of Sport. A number of Academy Board Members including Chairperson Peter Campbell were also on hand to represent our Academy. And it was exceptionally pleasing to see the Academy's Platinum Partner SOUTH32 ably represented by Amanda Blunt.

The Speaker of the House. The Hon. Jonathon O'Dea MP hosted an exemplary group of aspiring athletes and their families in a 'full house' recognition reception. The NSW Government through its Office of Sport is the Principal Partner of Regional Academies right across the state. And the Acting Minister for Sport The Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Lee spoke glowingly regarding the work of Regional Academies.

And it was terrific for Rory and Madelyn to view firsthand, how highly young leaders like them, are valued by our Members of Parliament and community leaders.

Graduation Dinner
The 2019 Academy Graduation and Sports Program Awards Dinner was again a huge success. We love to celebrate achievement at SWSAS, and this evening was exactly that. A celebration of all aspects of our sporting community. An Academy trophy is hard to come by. And it is a very proud moment for athletes and their families, for an athlete to be recognised this way.

The evening also provided an excellent opportunity for all athletes and program staff members, as well as our supporters from the corporate sector and government, to come together and enjoy each other's company and reflect on the year's achievements.

Sports Programs
On the sports program front. It is a very exciting time, nominations and trials are in full swing with many programs already commencing training. Our latest cohort of athletes will be officially inducted into the Academy at Western Sydney University on Monday, 2nd December.

Please enjoy all the detailed accounts of news and recent achievement at SWSAS in the articles below.

Cheers for now.
James Watson
Sports Program Manager

Upcoming Events

SWSAS INDUCTION

When: Monday 2nd December 2019
Venue: Western Sydney University Campbelltown Campus
Building 4 and room 15
Time: 5:30pm for 6pm
(SWSAS Induction and Education Sessions)

Local SWSAS News

Netball Challenge Accepted

The first weekend of school holidays saw Netball NSW in conjunction with the Western Region Academy of Sport host the annual Academy Challenge. Netballers from every corner of NSW converged on Orange for 3 days of intense match-play. The event coincided with the launch of the NSW state trial process, and was the last opportunity for emerging talent to put their name, on the selectors radar before the official trial period commenced. Click here to keep reading

Academy Athlete America Bound

For athletes world-wide the prospect of gaining a scholarship into the American College System as a student athlete ranks amongst the highest of achievements. American Colleges consistently propel young athletes into stardom, serving as the platform to showcase their talents on a major stage.
Huge crowds turn out week after week to watch each of the 20 NCAA Sports as upwards of 460,000 athletes across America....

Click here to keep reading

Rising stars shine bright at academy graduation dinner

In a room brimming with athletic talent, just nine the chosen few were in the running to be named South West Sydney Academy of Sport 2019 athlete of the year. By now most people in south west sydney know that BMX champion Rory Southwell took that honour.
But who were the other rising stars who were nominated and stood next to Rory as the announcement was made?

Click here to keep reading

Rory Southwell: BMX ace beats serious injury to win athlete of year award

The 15-year-old BMX champion from Harrington Park who accepted the honour at the Academy's awards dinner should not have even been racing, let alone winning competitions and the prestigious athlete of the year award.
In 2017, a hip injury robbed Rory of the chance to take part in the BMX World Championships in the USA and kept him away from racing for 16 months.
For four of those months young Rory was in a wheelchair.
Despite his young age, all he could think of during his lengthy rehabilitation was the moment he could jump back on a BMX bike and take on the world.
"Humbled to receive the South West Sydney Academy of Sport major award'' he wrote on his Facebook page.
"Such an honour to have BMX recognised amongst so many talented athletes from many other sporting disciplines, with around 300 athletes part of the program in the region.

Click here to keep reading

Local Star Rolling With 'Aussie Gliders'

It's been a euphoric year for South West Sydney Academy of Sport Wheelchair Basketballer Jess Cronje. Jess, who was the Academy's 'Athlete of The Year' in 2016 has been competing on multiple fronts in recent times. She recently starred for NSW in the Kevin Coombs Cup as the NSW Blue's went on to secure a Bronze Medal.
This podium result came after an epic match against archrivals Victoria. Both teams were particularly hungry after suffering narrow losses in their respective matches the previous day. After a tense battle the two teams could not be separated at full time, resulting in a nail-biting double overtime finish. Jess scored some very timely baskets to help secure the victory and finished the match with 19 points!
Less than a month later, Jess was in the starting 5 for the Australian Devils team that won a Silver Medal at the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) U/25s World Championships. An amazing performance of talent and persistance.

Click here to keep reading

Big future in the distance for this throwing athlete

South West Sydney Academy of Sport through its Wests Future Stars program is pleased to announce the commencement of an athlete scholarship, for Oran Park athlete Amelia Morgan.
Amelia represents Campbelltown Collegians Athletics Club in both little and senior athletics, specialising in shotput, discus and hammer throw.
At only 13 years of age, Amelia has represented NSW on five occasions, including a 14-day tour of New Zealand.
Amelia had an amazing 2018, placing 3rd in the U/14 Hammer Throw at the All School National Championships. As well as placing 2nd at both the NSW All School Championships and Athletics Australia National Junior Championships, in the same event.
Things didn't really slow down for her heading into 2019.... Click here to keep reading

Want to read more amazing stories?

Click here!

Word from our Education Partner

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