October 2007 Cover Story

Over four hundred athletes, parents and special guests attended the Central Coast Academy of Sport’s (CCAS) Graduation and Awards Presentation Evening last month where athletes Chris Dodd and Paige Melville were named male and female athletes of the year, and netballer Rachel Howard received the prestigious Chairman’s Award.

In addition athletes from each sport and their coaches were recognised with the Mayor of Gosford, Clr Laurie Maher presenting the Mayor’s Award for Athlete of the Year in each sport.

A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the University of Newcastle Scholarship Awards by Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Crump, to one athlete from each sport.

The Scholarships are part of a partnership arrangement the CCAS has with the University of Newcastle.

Recognised as Australia’s leading regional sports academy, the CCAS provides scholarships for the Region’s promising young athletes with specialist coaching and access to sports science support that includes exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, sport trainers and sport psychology.

Through extensive corporate support the CCAS services some 180 athletes across eleven sports including Athletics, Basketball, Football, Golf, Netball, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Surf Life Saving, Surfing and Tennis.

Commenting on the success of the evening, Managing Director Ian Robilliard said, “It is heartening to see our elite athletes being rewarded for their commitment and sportsmanship. These young people are great ambassadors for our Region,” he said.

“This evening showcases how the business of sport and the professional management of the Academy can do so much to further the careers of our elite athletes.”

Acknowledging the close relationship the CCAS has with business, Chairman Mark Holton said, “Your support is critical to the continuation of the aims and objectives of the Academy and the development of future sporting pathways. We thank our sponsors and partners for their generous support.”

The 2007 Awards Evening was also the first occasion for the CCAS to welcome a new Partner, The Greater Building Society.

Don Magin, Assistant CEO of The Greater, who attended the Awards Evening for the first time said that he was impressed by the very professional manner in which the event was conducted. “It was well organised, thoroughly planned and ran to time – a reflection of how the CCAS programmes themselves are conducted,” he said.

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