South West Academy of Sport marks a decade of developing champions

The South West Academy of Sport (SWAS), Western Australia’s first regional sporting academy, is today celebrating 10 years of developing sporting talent.

SWAS provides regional athletes with high performance training, coaching and services - affording talented country athletes the kind of opportunities which were only previously available in metropolitan Perth.

Launched in 2008, the Bunbury-based SWAS has assisted a long list of aspiring country athletes to reach their potential - with Kookaburra Jake Harvie, surfer Bronte Macaulay and BMX rider Lauren Reynolds all reaching elite levels in their respective sports.

Attending SWAS today to mark a decade of achievement, Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray highlighted that the academy is stronger than ever as it marks its first decade, with a record number of talented young athletes inducted into the 2018/19 Individual Athlete Support Program.

Minister Murray advised “the South West Academy of Sport has levelled the playing field for regional athletes, giving our best sportspeople access to the kind of development programs previously only available in Perth.

"From Olympians, to AFL players, and professional surfers, the SWAS has supported many local athletes to achieve greatness.

"I am proud of what the academy and its athletes have accomplished over the past 10 years and look forward to seeing what the current crop of athletes can achieve."

Image: SWAS' young hockey elite players in action.