Athletics NSW Officially Opens NSW Centre of Excellence
Athletics NSW proudly announces the opening of the NSW Centre of Excellence at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre on Saturday 27 April.
Speaking at the launch, Matt Whitbread, Chairman of the Athletics NSW Board, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The establishment of the NSW Centre of Excellence underscores our commitment to improving the support available to current and future high performing athletes and coaches that presently sit outside of the National Athlete Support Structure (NASS).”
Aligned closely to NSWIS and AA programs, the newly unveiled Centre of Excellence is designed to serve as a hub for athletes and coaches, offering a comprehensive range of programs tailored to enhance their skills, knowledge, and exposure. Emphasising the importance of holistic development, the centre aims to prepare individuals for elite competition.
"It focuses on the importance of ensuring emerging NSW athletes and coaches have acquired all the skills, knowledge, experience, and exposure along their athletics journey that will allow them to cope with pressure, relish opportunities, and perform at their best when they reach the elite arena."
Operating under a membership-based model, the NSW Centre of Excellence serves as the cornerstone of a broader Performance and Pathways Plan initiated by Athletics NSW. This strategic initiative establishes a new business unit within Athletics NSW, dedicated to providing aspiring and pre-elite athletes and coaches with comprehensive support services.
The centre's offerings include Strength and Conditioning (S&C), Sports Science, and Sports Medicine (SSSM) support services, aimed at preparing athletes and coaches to achieve their full potential and ensuring they are 'institute ready' when they transition to elite competition.
The opening of the NSW Centre of Excellence marks a significant step forward in the development of athletics in New South Wales, signalling a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and providing athletes and coaches with the resources they need to succeed on the national and international stage.