Local institutions to support up-and-coming athletes

Monday 11 December 2006

Two leading institutions in sport and education have joined forces to support up-and-coming athletes on the Central Coast.

The University of Newcastle and the Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS) will today sign a five year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

As part of the MoU, the University will offer 10 scholarships worth $5,000 a year to selected CCAS athletes to help further their education in sport or other fields of interest.

The University of Newcastle's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, said the new partnership was part of the University's sustained effort to build stronger links with community partners.

"The Central Coast Academy of Sport is well-known for its contribution to the local community. The University looks forward to providing the facilities and knowledge necessary to nurture the talent of local athletes," Professor Saunders said.

The University will work with the CCAS to conduct high performance training lectures for pre-elite and elite athletes on sports nutrition, sports psychology, injury treatment and prevention, and performance planning.

CCAS athletes, coaches and administration staff will have access to the University's tutorial rooms, lecture theatres and testing laboratories during non-teaching times to assist in delivering the Academy's programs and events.

CCAS Managing Director Ian Robilliard welcomed the opportunity to work with the University.

"The MoU means CCAS athletes will be able to advance their knowledge base which would not be possible without the support and expertise the University has to offer," he said.

Photo opportunity:
The signing takes place in the Library at the University of Newcastle's Ourimbah Campus at 2pm today.

For interviews:
Professor Nicholas Saunders through Media and Public Relations on 02 4921 6856 and Ian Robilliard on 02 4349 7756.