2010 Program
Coach - Ben Towers
Athlete - Natasha Morrison
NEW AWD PROGRAM
The South West Sydney Academy of Sport early this year launched its new Athletes with a Disability program with the induction of its first track and field athlete. This program has been developed in conjunction with the NSW Department of Arts, Sports and Recreation, the Paralympic committee and the Macarthur Disability Services, the Academy established the program to assist local athletes with a disability.
The program will provide athletes with up to date coaching resources, education programs, expert coaching advice and the opportunity to participate in all Academy functions. Open to individual athletes and their coaches in the Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly area, the program aims to enhance and add to athletes current training programs.
The program not only takes on the athlete, but also allows for their coach to become part of the Academy. Coaches will be provided the opportunity to participate in the Academy coaches education program and to expand on their current knowledge and skills.
“By providing coaches with this opportunity it allows the athlete and coach to develop together and gives the athlete the stability of one coach.” said Academy Executive Officer, Gerry Knights.
Michael Henderson a local Liverpool athlete recently accepted the first Athletes with a Disability scholarship with the Academy.
Michael a track and field athlete specialises in javelin, discuss and shot put. Michael recently represented New South Wales at Pacific School Games and bagged an Australian record in the discus with an outstanding throw of 41.09m, he also came away with two silver medals in both the shot put and javelin.
Coach Ben Towers described Michaels’ performance at the Games as excellent and was extremely pleased with the way he competed and his results. “Michael competed exceptionally well and to come away with an Australian record is a bonus to the medals.” said Towers.
As an athlete, Michael states his goal is to represent Australia at future Paralympics. While in the South West Sydney Academy of Sport program Michael hopes gain valuable knowledge from education sessions and is looking forward to meeting new people and mixing with athletes from other sports.
“The Academy is delighted to have Michael on board as part of the Athletes with a Disability program, we see great value in including this as part of the Academy. Not only will it benefit AWD athletes and coaches but also current athletes in various other sports who will also benefit from working with and understanding the qualities of athletes with a disability.” said Knights
For more information on the Athletes with a Disability program please contact the Academy on 46 277 622.