South Island Academy of Sport celebrates record year

A record income of NZ $6.7million in the 2008-09 year for the NZ Academy of Sport South Island (ASI) has seen the organisationâs income almost double in the last two years.
ASI Chairman Peter Cox said in the ASIâs annual report the past year has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, in its nine year history, one which saw considerable sporting highlights.
Cox explained âwe underpinned athlete and coach preparations for pinnacle sporting events including the Olympics, producing our best performance ever, while successfully continuing to grow the business.�?
The positive financial result stems from a successful business, community and sporting partnerships to the value of $3.1million. This network of committed and enthusiastic stakeholders included local authorities, South Island community funders, national trusts, the Universities, and the regional sports trusts.
Spearheading the Centre of Excellence development project at QEII in Christchurch was a highlight for the year. One of SPARCâs two nationally recognised Centres, this is an exciting joint venture which has seen the Christchurch City Council and The Canterbury Community Trust invest more than $1.6million over 2008/09.
The Academyâs ability to attract, develop and retain vision-driven people was enhanced significantly through increased funding from SPARC. As Cox adds, âthis allowed us to secure dedicated providers, with further plans for 2009-2010.
âWe also became increasingly innovative with our talent development, transfer and identification initiatives to fast-track athlete performance and success across the South Island, in partnership with the regional sports trusts and Community Trusts.�?
Academy Chief Executive Kereyn Smith said the ASI was proud of the part it played in the considerable successes of many of New Zealandâs athletes competing on the world stage during the year, particularly the achievements of our Olympic and Paralympics athletes. The feedback post-Beijing on the ASI contribution was most encouraging.
Smith stated "seeing the impact of the preparation programmes gave us a strong sense of confidence that we were on the right track and are continuing to make a difference to athletes and their performance (96% of whom reported ASI services and support had a positive impact on their performance).�?
Over 400 elite athletes and 38 elite athlete coaches based in the South Island receive services which cover sports medicine, science, athlete performance life style advice, scholarships, facility and technology access and training advice, plus newly evolving performance analysis capability.
Peter Cox, a Christchurch business and sports leader, will continue as Chairman of the ASI Board, supported by Deputy Chair Dr Selwyn Maister, Christchurch; and board members Helen Littleworth, Dunedin; Dame Lois Muir, Dunedin; Dr Clive Matthewson, Dunedin; Mike Piper, Invercargill and Michael Sidey, Christchurch.