Ninety-four young athletes will soon start training with Barwon Sports Academy as it celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
The academy has produced five world champions, including Paralympian runner Kelly Cartwright, water skier Jacinta Carroll and swimmer Phoebe Mitchell.
Among the academy’s new athletes are water polo prodigy Alexandra Scorgie, golfer Georgia Fish and surf lifesaver Oliver Watson.
Watson had a stand-out performance at the Victorian Enduro Championships in 2016 winning gold in the 2.5km surf race and 6km board race.
The 17-year-old also won silver in the under-17 Ironman, bronze in the surf race and board relay, and gold in the board rescue at the 2016 Victorian Titles.
Colac’s Georgie Fish will once again join the academy after breaking the ladies course record at Barwon Valley Golf Course in 2016.
The talented 16-year-old was a member of the Golf Victoria Junior Development squad in 2016.
Scorgie, 15, joins the academy after leading the goal tally at the Victorian under 16 winter championships with her explosive scoring power.
The academy has developed elite sportspeople across the region in athletics, golf, tennis, netball, sailing and beach volleyball.
Since 2007 it has produced 102 Australian representatives.
Recent graduates from the academy include professional golfer Ben Eccles and Olympic shot putter Damian Birkenhead.
Barwon Sports Academy CEO Cam Loftus thanked local councils, businesses and organisations for their support.
“This support has ensured we can develop outstanding young people who are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
The City’s General Manager Community Life Linda Quinn said the City had supported the academy since its inception.
“Barwon Sports Academy has helped hundreds of young athletes strive to compete at the highest level with many of them going on to represent Victoria and Australia in their chosen sport.”
