Achievements of local athletes celebrated at Mayoral Afternoon Tea
Published on 13 May 2025
Some of the Shoalhaven’s most talented young athletes have been celebrated at the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) Mayoral Afternoon Tea on Monday.
Council hosts the event annually at the Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre to recognise the outstanding achievements of local athletes and coaches across a range of sports.
"It was an honour to host this year’s afternoon tea as it provided the opportunity to reflect on the recent achievements of our local athletes, acknowledge their hard work and celebrate how the Shoalhaven produces some of the top talent in the state,” said Deputy Mayor Peter Wilkins who attended on behalf of the Mayor Patricia White.
“With the incredible support, guidance and experience of the staff, coaches and mentors at the IAS, I have no doubt we will be seeing more of these rising stars as they compete at a state, national and international level,” Cr Wilkins said.
“I applaud the dedication and sacrifice of these athletes in pursuing their sporting dreams. I wish them all the best with their training, and I look forward to celebrating their ongoing success into the future,” he said.
During the ceremony, Cr Wilkins presented certificates to the athletes, acknowledging their contributions across sports categories including Athletes with Disability (AWD), Mountain Bike, Netball, Hockey, Volleyball, Australian Football League (AFL), Athletics, Gymnastics, Rugby League, Oztag, Touch Football, Basketball, Swimming, Golf, Football, Surf Life Saving and Tennis.
Illawarra Academy of Sport Future Stars athlete Lily Sproule and athlete Zac Richter delivered a vote of thanks speech on behalf of the Shoalhaven athletes. Together, they shared the positive impact the IAS has had on their sporting journey and thanked Council for its ongoing support.
The Illawarra Academy of Sport is a not-for-profit sporting organisation that provides localised training and education opportunities for talented young athletes, coaches and administrators across the Illawarra region.
The IAS operates throughout the Illawarra and supports athletes from five Local Government Areas including Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Wingecarribee.
The academy has produced 15 Olympians, 20 Commonwealth Games Representatives, 11 World Champions and 75 Senior National Team Representatives over the past three decades.