Penrith Mayor Todd Carney with the athletes from the Western Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS).  Photo courtesy of Penrith City Council

FIFTEEN high achieving young athletes from the Western Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS) took time out from their sporting commitments on Wednesday to thank Penrith Mayor Todd Carney for Council’s support of the Academy.

At the meet and greet, Cr Carney congratulated the young athletes on their achievements to date and thanked the WSAS for their dedication to athletes from across the region.

“The Academy’s development programs and partnerships help make the pathways in sport more accessible and help young people in our City to achieve their dreams,” Cr Carney said.

“I also acknowledge the coaches, managers and families who put in a huge amount of time and effort to support their young sports stars.”

Penrith is one of eight local government areas in the WSAS catchment and has provided long-standing support to assist the Academy deliver its valuable programs and initiatives that help nurture, empower and support young athletes.

The 15 athletes represented a diverse mix of sports such as golf, hockey, netball, softball, triathlon, volleyball and superbike, expressed their gratitude for the Council’s support. Some also spoke about their aspirations and preparation for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

Jessica Fog, Zachary Isaako – Golf, Xavier Canning – Hockey, Indee Bowman, Lilly-Anna Fernandez, Abby Andrews, Charlee Render, Ethan Stait – Netball, Addison Finnimore, Blake Toovey, Francesca Vella – Softball, Isaac Chapmam, Flynn Weber – Triathlon, Leigha Taylor – Volleyball, William Hunt – Motorcycle Racing.

Cr Carney also expressed his pride in the ongoing delivery of new and improved high quality sporting facilities across the Penrith Local Government Area that continue to provide opportunities for sportspeople to thrive.

“Penrith is home to many sporting greats across a variety of sports. From the world’s most successful paddler of all time, Jess Fox OAM, to rugby league champion Nathan Cleary and a long list of others.

“Council has a 15-year road map for the future provision of sport, play, recreation and open space across the City, which is delivering high quality playing fields, courts and amenities required for athlete development,” Cr Carney said.

To find out more go to penrith.city/spros