Opportunity through sport

The value of sport cannot be underestimated.

It epitomises the pursuit of excellence, the importance of team work and the fulfilment of achievement.

Sport is one of the unifying passions of the people of the South West Region. It has seen some of our most talented young people reach national and even international levels of competition.

The South West Academy of Sport will emphasise these values and provide a pathway to WAIS.

How we began

The concept of a sports academy in the South West Region began with a meeting of South West Chambers of Commerce and Industry chief executive Rolf Stene and renowned sporting identity, the late Wally Foreman.

Mr Foreman was a leading supporter of the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS), which has played a key role in developing champion sportsmen and women in a range of fields.

The idea of developing a pathway for talented athletes living in regional areas through to the elite level offered by WAIS and beyond was born.

Both men recognised the benefits a platform for developing talent in the region had for the sporting and business community. With Mr Foreman’s expertise in sport and experience with WAIS planning began into what is now the South West Academy of Sport.

Our aim

The South West Academy of Sport is styled after the Western Australian Institute of Sport and successful regional models in the eastern states of Australia, which are responsible for producing champions such as Olympic cyclist Ben Kirsten, Australia’s most successful gymnast Alanna Slater and Australian cricketer Brett Lee.

The Academy is designed to enhance training and support at a local level for up-and-coming athletes pursuing sporting excellence.

It will remove the burden of travel to the metropolitan area for those already aspiring to the elite level of sport, and create new opportunities for future champions.

The Academy aims to develop the talent of athletes in their chosen sport and educate them with life skills such as nutrition, fitness, injury prevention and career counselling to hold them in good stead for a future in sport.