Athletes honoured

DAVID HALL

Shellharbour City Council has honoured their Illawarra Academy of Sport Athletes with a Civic Reception at the Shellharbour City Stadium last Thursday.

Twenty-five athletes from eight sports attended the reception, which was also attended by Shellharbour City Administrator David Jesson, Member for Shellharbour Lylea McMahon, Academy Chairman Brian Weir and Academy Executive Director Mark Brogan.

Mr Jesson and Ms McMahon spoke in glowing terms of the performance of the Academy and the quality of athletes it produces, including the likes of cricketers Brett and Shane Lee and rugby league stars Luke Bailey and Matt Cooper.

“I would like to congratulate all of the young athletes here today on what they have already achieved in their short sporting careers,” said Mr Jesson.

“I hope the opportunities presented to you by the Academy allows your careers to flourish and we all look forward to hearing great things about your progress in the future.”

The Academy has recently reinstated their bowls program while tennis has also been included.

The 25 Shellharbour Municipality athletes Michael Arblaster, Nathan McAndrew, Storm Collins (cricket), Samuel Arnold, Madison and Melanie Law (cycling), Adam Barnard (golf), Kate McKinley, Kate Nealon, Taylor Anderson (hockey), Tayla King, Briana Kostovski (Individual Athlete Program), Emma Kelly (netball), Brent Coleman, Jarryd King, Bradley Lisle (rugby union), Michael Bayo, Kyle Johannes, Curtis Meredith, Jesse Noronha, Wilson Patuwai, Aaron Spears, Sussanah Stojevska, Justine Walsh and Matti Rae were all presented with mementos from Mr Jesson.

Responding on behalf of the athletes, second year scholarship holder cricketer Storm Collins paid tribute to the Acadmeny, their administration, coaches and their programs.