SWAS plan helps future stars to shine

Young athletes wanting to take their game to the next level have until Tuesday to apply to be part of a free South West Academy of Sport program that includes Olympians among its past participants.

Applications are being accepted for the SWAS Individual Athlete Support Program, which aims to help participants meet the costs of their sporting development.

To be in the running to secure a highly-coveted place in the program, applicants must be between 14 and 18, live in the South West and meet the criteria outlined in the application form.

SWAS chief executive officer Bernice Butlion encouraged talented locals to take up the chance to receive the help they needed to progress to the next level of competition.

“If you want to be part of a program that has nurtured athletes who have gone on to compete in world championships and Olympic Games, I encourage you to have a go and apply,” she said.

“Participants in the program will have the opportunity to develop the skills required to pursue careers in sport through access to top-tier coaches, specialist training and support services.

“Services such as sports psychology, physiotherapy, sports medicine, injury prevention, nutrition, life skills and athlete career education will all be available to those taking part.”

Previous program participants include London Olympians Lauren Reynolds and Alexandra Hagan.

SWAS was launched in 2008 to identify and develop athletes in the region. In addition to the Individual Athlete Support Program, it also runs partner sports programs in Australian Rules, hockey and netball.