Some of Kiama's best young sportspeople were recognised for their achievements when Mayor Cameron McDonald hosted a celebration for the area's Illawarra Academy of Sport athletes at a Mayoral Civic Reception at The Pavilion recently.
Kiama Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters, IAS President Sharon Wingate and CEO Salv Carmusciano, Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer and Kiama Council's Director Corporate and Commercial Joe Gaudiosi were also in attendance.
Eleven IAS athletes from the Kiama local government area received gifts at the function and were congratulated for their efforts in their chosen sporting pursuit.
Mayor McDonald shared a quote with the athletes from cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman, who grew up in Bowral in the Wingecarribee Shire more than a century ago.
"The finest of athletes have, along with skill, a few more essential qualities: to conduct their life with dignity, with integrity, with courage and modesty. All these are totally compatible with pride, ambition, determination and competitiveness."
Mayor McDonald said Kiama Council was proud to be a long-standing supporter of the Illawarra Academy of Sport.
"For more than 40 years, our region has backed an athlete centred, community focused, fee free model that continues to shape not only exceptional competitors, but exceptional people," he said.
"The Academy equips young athletes with skills that reach far beyond sport - psychology, nutrition, goal setting, public speaking and media awareness.
"These are the tools that help young people step confidently into the world, whether they continue in sport or choose a different path.
"The IAS does more than develop talent. It builds capability, character and opportunity.
"Whatever your future holds, the discipline, resilience, teamwork and self understanding you gain through the IAS will serve you everywhere: in competition, in study, in your career, and in your community.
"Congratulations to every athlete, every family member, every coach and volunteer, and to the IAS for continuing to strengthen and inspire our region."
Ms Wingate said IAS was dedicated to its role in providing a pathway for young sportspeople to realise their potential.
"Our program only exists because of long-standing partnerships with Councils, the endorsement of the Office of Sport, and the advocacy of State and Federal MPs," she said.
"That continued confidence in our model - where the athlete is at the centre of everything we do - allows us to maintain what matters most: and that is ensuring talented athletes can access high-performance development regardless of circumstance."
IAS athletes from the Kiama local government area:
- Archie Hollands (golf)
- Claire Vogelaar (volleyball)
- Eleanor Taylor (basketball)
- Eleanor Musgrave (basketball)
- Joshua Musgrave (basketball)
- Harper Bragg (netball)
- Heidi Cliff (basketball)
- Holly Sheridan (rugby sevens)
- Sienna Mamo (rugby sevens)
- Jasmine Wright (hockey)
- Neve Wilkins (netball)
- Rubylee Neill (Future Stars - surfing)
- Ellie Linsley (Future Stars - para sports, swimming)
- Sage Laird (golf)
- Nash Duncan (golf)
- Aston Lewis (cycling - mountain bike)
