ESSA celebrates 30th anniversary of supporting health through exercise

This year, Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) celebrates its 30th anniversary of encouraging all Australians to use exercise and sports science to improve their health, both physically and mentally, and their performance.

Founded in 1991, ESSA is a professional organisation which is committed to establishing, promoting and defending the career paths of tertiary trained exercise and sports science practitioners.

ESSA Chief Executive, Anita Hobson-Powell notes “in terms of professions we are still relatively young yet the impact we have had on the lives and overall well-being of Australians is powerful and lasting. Our accredited professionals are changing lives every day, and I don’t say that lightly. The profound work our industry performs can be, in some instances, lifesaving.

“ESSA as an organisation provides industry leadership through advocacy, research, education and regulation to support exercise and sports science professionals and the Australian community in becoming a more active nation. Our key goal is to continue to raise the profile of our profession and embed expert exercise prescription as part of standard health care and disease management.

Hobson-Powell adds “as part of the celebrations, ESSA will be sharing 30 stories throughout the year to commemorate the impact the exercise and sports science industry and its professionals have had on our communities, and how they have benefited the health landscape in Australia.

“We will be sharing a variety of stories ranging from pivotal moments in our industry, inspiring clients, ESSA professionals raising the profile and more. We look forward to sharing these with you all.

“The first story will reflect back on an interview with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and his team who provide exercise therapy for spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions. Their clientele achieves amazing recovery outcomes, including that of paralysed motocross riders and ex-NRL superstars.

“Every day in our national office, we are lucky to hear about the passionate individuals who are either working within this industry or their clients who are using the power of exercise and physical activity to benefit their lives. It’s inspiring.”

To follow ESSA’s 30th anniversary journey go to www.essa.org.au/Public/ESSA_30_Years.aspx