Ada Mackie in action at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium.  Photo supplied.

PADDLE Australia has announced the Canoe Slalom National Development squad for 2023, which includes Ada Mackie (16) and Sevan Billaut (14) from the Western Sydney Whitewater Club, which is based at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

The National Development Squad has been designed to identify young paddlers with the potential to reach current and future national teams, and provide opportunities for paddlers to learn what is required to train and race at an elite level.

“There were some wonderful young paddlers nominated for the National Development Squad this year,” Paddle Australia Performance Pathways Lead (Canoe Slalom) Ros Lawrence said.

“The strength of the juniors across the country is a testament to the great development that is happening in our state hubs.

“I am excited to work with this year’s squad, and continuing to grow the National Development Squad for years’ to come,” she said.