Talented young athletes across a range of sporting disciplines have been recognised at the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) Mayoral Afternoon Tea in the Shoalhaven on Monday.
Council hosts the event annually to celebrate the hard work, dedication and outstanding achievements of local athletes and coaches.
"Events like this provide an important opportunity to reflect upon the commitment and perseverance required by our young athletes to achieve at an elite sporting level," said Mayor Patricia White.
"The dedication and hard work of these athletes is inspiring and it's unsurprising the Shoalhaven continues to produce some of the state's top sporting performers. I look forward to following their progress as they continue to represent our region with pride," Cr White said.
"It is clear that behind each athlete is a strong support network of family, coaches and mentors, whose contribution is vital to their success. I'd like to also congratulate these individuals and the Illawarra Academy of Sport for their important role in developing our young, local athletes and supporting them to reach their full potential," she said.
During the ceremony, Cr White presented certificates to the athletes, acknowledging their contributions across sports categories including Volleyball, Netball, Athletics, Swimming, Football, Rugby 7s, Triathlon, para swimming, AFL and Oztag.
Illawarra Academy of Sport Future Stars athlete Kadance Naylor delivered a vote of thanks speech on behalf of the Shoalhaven athletes. Ms Naylor was recently selected to represent Regional Australia at the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin in javelin throw, discus and shot put.
Ms Naylor used her speech to share the positive impact the IAS has had on her sporting journey and thanked Council for its ongoing support of young athletes in the region.
The Illawarra Academy of Sport is a not-for-profit sporting organisation that provides localised training and education opportunities for talented young athletes, coaches and administrators across the Illawarra region.
The IAS operates throughout the Illawarra and supports athletes from five Local Government Areas including Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Wingecarribee.
The academy has produced 15 Olympians, 20 Commonwealth Games Representatives, 11 World Champions and 75 Senior National Team Representatives over the past three decades.
