President’s Report

CEO’S REPORT 2022

It was only in late October 2021 that we were able to host training sessions, be together as a staff group and provide face-to-face sessions with the athletes. Selections were undertaken primarily on paper with limited capacity to have trials.

The Presentation Evening of 2021 was delivered live and online with over 4000 hits to view the session. Schools did not allow visits or even external bus trips. Sports were playing catch-up with competition dates. The new year provided interruptions to training and playing due to weather conditions.

Amidst all of this the coaches, managers and support staff of the IAS provided as capable delivery as possible throughout the year. It is that pursuit to provide the best programs possible with the best level of support, that allowed each of us to feel great pride in the organisation. Its all about the athletes.

The emergence of the Captain’s Group as a reliable and effective way for the athletes to provide direction and leadership for the IAS came to the fore this year. The strong performances on and off the field at the new location of Wagga Wagga for the Your Local Club Academy Games vindicated the delivery and progress that the IAS has sought to provide to the athletes. Leadership became actionable items by the athletes across the board.

The cycling program expanded to be the first Regional Academy to provide for all disciplines. We expanded and supported the newest program – Volleyball, in both Indoor and Beach. We expanded and increased the strength and conditioning capabilities with increased progression and expert supervision. With the support of MCR we have seen the full capacity of the Indigenous Sport Program emerge.

We have been fortunate to be the recipients of the fundraising efforts of the Great Illawarra Walk for both 2022 and for 2023. This will provide the bedrock of specific support for Para-athletes with dedicated and specific gym support options for the future. The future of young and emerging Paraathletes in the Illawarra is assured because of this enormous support from the charity organisation.

Whilst it has been a tumultuous time over the past 12 months, the future is strong. The NSW Government has provided increased ongoing financial support for the Regional Academies and each of the Councils have maintained their strong financial and in-kind support. With the 2032 home Olympics approaching, it is the athletes that are in our current programs that will be on display in the future.

The honouring of the immediate past President, Mr John Wells with a life membership of the IAS is appropriate and justified. His guidance and support to me as a CEO has been immeasurable. Equally, the introduction of Paul Knight as the new President heralds some exciting times for the Academy.

2022/23 will see an increase in opportunity for the Academy and its athletes. Stronger links to NSW Institute of Sport, greater links with the Indigenous community, enhanced coach support through the Regional Academies and even greater extension of the role that the Office of Sport plays in the development of the IAS are but some of the areas that we look forward to. Anticipating an even stronger link to the Illawarra business and sporting communities into the future, we are in the privileged position to be a part of the Academy and the athlete’s continual development.

JOHN ARMSTRONG CEO

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OVEVIEW

2022