On June 19, the Illawarra Academy of Sport's rising stars were recognised at a Wollongong Mayoral Reception.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery, Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes and IAS representatives were among the special guests at WIN Stadium, where promising young local athletes were awarded scholarship certificates.

“We’re proud to support the Illawarra Academy of Sport as they foster and support the development of the next generation of sporting superstars. Congratulations to all of those recognised at the scholarship reception," Lord Mayor Bradbery said.

“We are also proud of the academy in what it provides and fostering your abilities and opportunities to expand in your sporting achievements."

During the function, IAS officials thanked council for its ongoing support.

“As one of the six founding members, Wollongong City Council has been a crucial contributor to the IAS, playing an integral role,” said Sharon Wingate, the academy's president.

Since 1985, the IAS has awarded about 7000 scholarships to promising athletes in the region. The current scholarship intake includes 290 athletes, with 105 from the Wollongong area.

“The IAS scholarship provides access to strength and conditioning facilities, expert guidance from experienced coaches, and rigorous training sessions,” said Lucy Allen, a 15-year-old cyclist and IAS scholarship recipient.

“While these resources help achieve peak physical form, the most important aspect of the academy for me is the sense of being part of a broader community of athletes my age.

“Through wonderful experiences like the Academy Games and the Bathurst cycling camp, I've developed friendships with other cycling girls from around the state.”

Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon is the academy's most famous graduate and an inspiration for many.

“As a young athlete, it is a dream for me and many others to one day represent our country,” said Lucy.

Earlier this year, the IAS was among the regional academies that the Australian Olympic Committee recognised as official Australian Olympic Training Centres.

With the 2024 Summer Olympics kicking off in Paris on July 26, this was major topic of discussion at the IAS event. IAS CEO Salv Carmusciano hopes the new designation will further enhance its reputation.

“I think it just confirms what we already knew,” he said.

“Now that it’s official, it can only help our cause.”

Read more about the IAS in this article.