Young Sporting Stars Honoured at Council
Aspiring young athletes were recognized for their contribution to the sport at a special ceremony at Hills Shire Council on Wednesday 31st May.
The Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr. Peter Gangemi, congratulated 25 rising sports stars and four coaches from the Western Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS) and presented them with certificates of appreciation.
Mayor Gangemi, a WSAS Council Director, said it was an incredible honor for the young athletes to be inducted into the Academy, a non-profit, community-based organization that provides developmental training.
Many of the athletes who graduate from the academy’s program go on to represent their state and even their country, including Olympian and softball player Rachel Lack of West Pennant Hills.
“The Hills is home to so many talented young athletes,” said Mayor Gangemi.
“It’s fantastic that WSAS supports them with elite training programs that help them grow as athletes and perform at their best.
“The council is a big supporter of grassroots sport. We build the fields, plazas, parks and provide green space for our future Olympians and athletes to play, train and reach their potential.”
WSAS CEO Martin Bullock said the Hills Shire Council has been a strong supporter and advocate of its athletes and programs since the academy was founded in 2004.
“During that time, the Academy has awarded 530 scholarships to young local Hills Shire athletes in a variety of sports,” Bullock said.
“The continued support of the council means we can continue to provide educational, sports and personal development services through our programs. It also means our athletes can improve their skills and knowledge in their chosen sport.”
Along with Penrith, Parramatta, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Fairfield and Hawkesbury, the Hills Shire is one of seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) that make up the WSAS catchment area.
The Council has provided more than $130,000 in grants to the WSAS (since 2014) covering the cost of assisting athletes with their education, uniform, training programs and academy events.