What you put into your sport is what you’ll get out of it.
That was the clear message delivered to the latest group of aspiring athletes welcomed into the South West Academy of Sport’s Individual Athlete Support Program.
The new scholarship holders were treated to words of wisdom along with athlete stories when they were officially inducted into the talent development organisation at an official function held earlier this month.
SWAS staff, board and sponsors were among those on hand at the not-for-profit organisation’s new administration headquarters to greet the athletes and their families.
“We want to work with you to support your journey and see you get fantastic results so we can all rejoice in those in the future,” SWAS chairman Guy Asser told attendees at the event.
As part of the SWAS Individual Athlete Support Program, the potential future stars will be provided with high level support to take their game to the next level.
Previous participants of the popular program include local athletes who have realised their dreams of competing at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, as well as by becoming US student-athletes.
“Some of those journeys may not be your journeys but if you’re prepared to put in the effort, and you want to follow that route in sport, you can go a long way,” SWAS chief executive officer Bernice Butlion said.
“If you’re on the pathway and you have goals, I hope you reach your goals.
“And don’t be disappointed along the way – we do have setbacks; we do have to work hard.”
The scholarship program for individual athletes caters for outstanding young sports men and women whose sport is not covered by the SWAS partner programs of Australian Rules football, cricket, netball and hockey.
A holistic approach is taken to the development of those in the program including assistance in the daily training environment.
Examples of the type of support available include meeting training costs, specialised coaching, strength and conditioning services, nutrition assessment, athlete career and education, and access to a sport psychologist and physiotherapist.
2022/23 SWAS ISAP athletes:
Returning athletes:
James Kiely – Athletics / Surf-Lifesaving
Thomas Cross – Athletics
Lauren Rowe – Dressage
New Athletes:
Joel Davies – Swimming
Rhianna Di Giuseppe – Athletics
Meg Eichner – Weightlifting
Connor Fraser – Triathlon
Willow Hardy – Surfing
Otis North – Surfing
Cooper Metcalfe – Basketball
Joshua Sutherland – Basketball
Finn Reilly – MTB
Scarlett Riddle – Swimming
Krishan Burgemeister – Golf
Jedd Host – Golf
Aiyana Morris – Golf
Chloe Veeran – Golf
Sophia Cross – Rowing
Eckart Bosman – Rowing
Alexander Clements – Rowing
Lucy Hope – Soccer
Aiden Wright – MTB