28 August 2008
OPEN LETTER
To all associated with the Academy
Academy Games
Dear Athletes, Staff Members, Parents, Friends and Supporters,
Following many months of ongoing discussion the Academies of Sport Inc, the organisers of the annual Academy Games has moved the proposed Academy Games to be held in Armidale from 7- 9 October 2008 to 17-19 April 2009 and April in subsequent years.
The change of date has been made due to, but not limited to the following reasons:
· The ability to increase participation numbers in current sports.
· The ability to increase the participation of additional sports.
· The ability to better fit within the overall fixture calendars of some sports.
· To avoid a clash with the Clubs NSW sponsored 2009 World Masters Games to be held during the following October period.
· To allow staff members and supporters the opportunity to support and participate in the 2009 World Masters Games.
· Issues relating to gaining sanction of one popular event by the relevant State Sporting Organisation.
The timing change has the full endorsement of all participating Academies.
The change from October to April each year has been endorsed by State Sporting Organisations, funding partners the Department of Sport and Recreation and Clubs NSW.
All organisations support the continued successful development of the Academy Games and the sporting and social development opportunities it provides our athlete scholarship holders.
Thank you for your anticipated support in this matter and should you wish to discuss this change further please contact me on telephone 02 4627 7622.
Yours sincerely
Gerry Knights
Executive Officer
25 June 2008
Academy welcomes new Sports Program Coordinator
The South West Sydney Academy of Sport has recently engaged the services of Emma Walker as its new Sports Program Coordinator.
Emma brings with her a passion for sport, whether it be playing, coaching or administration, so accepting the role as program coordinator for the South West Sydney Academy of Sport was a thrill her, as well a step in the right direction to further her career.
Born and raised in Wollongong, Emma completed her schooling years at Keira Technology High School and in 2006 graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Degree in Exercise Science and Psychology.
While completing her final year at University in 2006 and to gain some valuable work experience, Emma worked as a volunteer with the Illawarra Academy of Sport, working closely with the program manager. After graduating from University Emma secured an opportunity to work at the Illawarra Academy for a 3 month period, whilst the program manager was overseas.
It was from there that Emma obtained a position with NSW Department of Sport and Recreation as a sports program development officer and working closely with community sports programs.
“It was Emma’s education and previous experience especially within another regional academy that made her most suitable for the position” said Academy executive officer Gerry Knights.
Emma’s sporting background lies primarily with Netball, where she commenced playing at the tender age of five years old. Growing up Emma played a variety of sports making state level representation in swimming, athletics and water polo.
At 15 years of age Emma was selected into the Illawarra representative Netball team and later that year also gained selection in the Illawarra Academy of Sport Netball program.
The following year Emma gained selection in the Illawarra State League Division 2 Netball team and continued to play with this team for the next four years. In recognition of Emma’s on court form, it was recommended that she further her career by progressing to a State League Division 1 team, and has continued playing in Division 1, this year representing the Sutherland Netball Association.
As well as playing Emma has put plenty back into Netball demonstrated by Emma gaining her Level 1 Netball coaching certificate, and coaching as part of the Illawarra Academy of Sport Netball program. In 2007 Emma was appointed Academy assistant coach.
“I love coaching, I really enjoy being able to pass on my skills and knowledge and see the girls improve under my direction, on court.” Emma said.
“The combination of Emma’s previous work, sporting and coaching experience provides her with valuable knowledge and insight into the program coordinator role” said Knights.
When asked what she hopes to bring to South West Academy of Sport, Emma said “I hope to bring my own personal touch to the Academy and to provide each sport, individual athlete and coach with my full support and enable them to gain everything they possibly can from their Academy experience.”
Emma Walker can be contacted at the South West Sydney Academy of Sport Administration Office on 4627 7622, or emma.walker@swsas.org.au