Applications are open for the revamped AIS Sports Draft – focussed on speed, power and agility – and the first ever Para-sports Draft as the search for more athletes across more sports begins.
AIS Director Matt Favier said the success of last year’s inaugural AIS Sports Draft for combat sports paved the way for this year’s drafts.
Qantas Australian Women's Sevens speedster Ellia Green said: "This is a fantastic initivative from the AIS. I myself was recruited after a talent identification day and I encourage as many stars-in-the-making to register their interest in the AIS sports draft. You could be given the chance to represent your country and perhaps be an Olympian too one day!"
In 2014, the AIS Sports Draft will focus on:
• athletics: throwing, pole vault and sprinting up to 400 metres
• rugby 7s: women
• hockey: goalies (women)
• combat sports
• paddling sports: kayak and canoe (sprint and slalom)
• track sprint cycling
The Para-sports Draft will focus on athletics, cycling, swimming, canoeing, rowing, triathlon, table tennis, boccia, para-alpine and snowboarding for individuals with cerebral palsy and neurological brain impairments.
“It’s pleasing to see national sporting organisations, the Australian Paralympic Committee, the AIS and numerous other stakeholders working closely to find athletes who may be able to transfer their skills, knowledge and winning ways into these Olympic and Paralympic sports,” Favier said.
“Athletes who make it through the AIS Sports Draft selection trials will attend camps at the AIS, receive 12 months of high performance coaching at select venues, and possibly go on to receive further expert support from their new NSO.
“The draft is an initiative of Australia’s Winning Edge game plan looking for international success including at the Olympics, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games.
“I encourage any individuals aged 15-26 from sports like Australian rules, rugby league, rugby union, gymnastics, karate, surfing, netball, basketball, volleyball or swimming who can uphold the Olympic values and show outstanding physical abilities to register their expression of interest for the AIS Sports Draft.
“Individuals aged 15-30 with cerebral palsy and neurological brain impairments with a keen interest to be involved in the Para-sports Draft, express your interest today.”
The selection trials will be held in Sydney at the Australian University Games between September 30 and October 2, Melbourne and Perth on October 11, Brisbane and Sydney on October 25, and Hobart and Adelaide on November 15.
Visit http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/australias_winning_edge/ais_sports_draft for more information.
