IAS Cycling Program to benefit from addition support

THE Illawarra Academy of Sport's cycling squad today used its annual cycling program launch to announce a new feature of community support of youth sport " that being, Academy graduates financially supporting young up and coming athletes.

Ben and Joshua Kersten are cycling graduates of the Academy. Both are Commonwealth Games medallists and Ben, an Olympian and current champion at international level. Together they have assembled a team of sponsors to provide financial and value-in-kind support for the young IAS cycling squad.

According to Mark Brogan, Executive Director of the Illawarra Academy of Sport it is pleasing that both Ben and Joshua, who were once assisted by their local community, now lend their support to other up-and-coming local athletes.

"This involvement is a clear demonstration of Ben and Josh's support and personal recognition of their changing role in the community - values the Academy embraces and promotes to all athletes whilst they are with us," said Mark Brogan, Executive Director of the Illawarra Academy of Sport.

"We are delighted that they have been able to negotiate this support through their sporting and business contacts," said Mr Brogan.

"A focus of the Academy in 2007 will be to establish an Alumni Program to link our graduates and their families. The example provided by the Kertens' support is one element of "?community' we encourage in all others."

The collective sponsorship will mean that the IAS cyclists will receive the highest level of individual athlete support of any IAS program. It will provide athletes with equipment and travel support to key targeted competition events. It also allows for expanded development opportunities for young riders.

"I am delighted to be able to arrange this support to the IAS which assisted me in my formative riding years," said Ben Kertsen.

"I know what talented riders need to be the best. The support provided by these new sponsors will give IAS riders the best chance yet to succeed".

The cycling program commenced at Academy in 1994 and is one of the highest achieving programs with several riders medalling in international competition including World Cup, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. Other international riders to come the program include Rochelle Gilmore, Rebecca Borgo and Amiel Cavalier.

Interestingly, the first coach of the cycling program was Mitch Law. He coached Josh, Ben & Rochelle has two nephews currently in program.

The Illawarra Academy of Sport was the first regional academy in Australia. In the past 21 years it has supported the development of more than 3,600 athletes. The Academy currently conducts programs for eleven (11) sports.