Stars of NSW Academy Games

Written on the 11 May 2018 by The District Reporter

The amazing sight of seeing a cavalcade of seven white buses heading north to participat in the 2018 'Your Local Club' Academy Games, definitely hit the heart strings of the parents and families left behind.

The Hunter region was this year's venue for three days of intense sporting competition and South West Sydney Academy of Sport (SWSAS) turned up in force, with more than 150 athletes representing the Macarthur and Liverpool region.

Following a spectacular opening ceremony at the Newcastle Basketball Stadium, including a march past of more than 1,200 athletes and support staff members; it was time for all athletes to perform at their best in front of scouts from state sporting organisations and highly vocal spectators.

The SWSAS took part in six of the nine sports on offer fielding girl's and boy's teams in basketball, hockey and softball, an AFL women's team and teams in the A and B divisions netball competitions, plus golf.

The long-awaited opportunity to represent our region against some of the very best athletes from across the state, provided some excellent results.

The SWSAS boys and girls softball teams were announced the overall winners of their respective competitions, after a rain effected second day of competition. The academy's fledgling basketball teams both finished in a highly creditable 4th place overall.

The regions girl's hockey team finished in 3rd place after some excellent individual performances, and in a very close and strong boy's competition the SWSAS boys' team finished 6th place overall.

Hockey was also recognised with Miri Maroney and Mitchell Stevens, being named in the Academy Games 'Merit Team'. Additional 'Merit Team' awards were presented to Netballer's Molly Lewis and Kiara Bloor.

Sadly, after excellent placings at the Pacific Dunes, Medowie championship course on day one of competition, the second day of competition at the Newcastle Golf Club, Fern Bay was washed out. With Rhys Vella equal 4th Brandon Vella equal 5th, and Robbie Minns in equal 6th place overall.

Academy Chairperson Peter Campbell congratulated ClubsNSW on its ongoing support of the 'Your Local Club' Academy Games and also recognised the support provided by the NSW Government and state sporting organisations.

He was additionally delighted with the individual performances of all Academy athletes, both on and off the playing field. "When it comes to providing opportunities to our regions up and coming stars, no organisation does it better than our very own local sports academy, the South West Sydney Academy of Sport," Campbell said.

For additional information regarding the academy, its programs or corporate partner opportunities, visit www.swsas.org.au or contact Gerry Knights (02) 4627 7622, email gerry.knights@swsas.org.au