AIS funding to support new Performance Pathways

Jim Colley and Shaun Connor - 2020 Sail Sydney (10-13 December 2020) © Beau Outteridge

Yesterday Australian Sailing took another step to ensure the next generation of Olympic sailing champions with the announcement of the new Performance Pathways program.

The program has been made possible in part due to Australian Sailing's successful application for one of the Australian Institute of Sport’s Performance Pathways Solutions Grants.

The new Australian Sailing Performance Pathway program will create new initiatives and increase resourcing aligned to its new High Performance Strategy "#NextLevel", and represents the progression from competitive Club sailing to the Australian Sailing Team for Olympic and Olympic pathway classes.

It includes the experiences and opportunities aimed at supporting the development of athletes and coaches on their journey towards possible Olympic Games representation.

"The Performance Pathway puts solid structures and support around our talented athletes as they emerge from the Club Pathway," said Australian Sailing CEO Ben Houston.

"It will create a range of new and enhanced initiatives targeted at athletes emerging from our existing State Performance Programs, and will work to foster optimal development and best prepare athletes for the next stage of their sailing journey."

Zoe Thomson - photo © Jon West Photography

Australian Sailing recognises the support from the AIS as well as our valued National Institute partners across the country.

Full details about the new Pathway Program have been added to the Australian Sailing Team website.

The program will feature a Futures Fast Boat Development Program as well as a pathway for the new Olympic classes in Kite Foil Racing and Windfoil Launch Programs. The program will also support pathway coaching to identify and develop the next generation of Olympic Sailing coaches. These projects will be supported by the Australian Institute of Sport Performance Pathways Solutions Grant.

AIS CEO Peter Conde said the $21.6m Performance Pathways Solutions Grants program was focused on building sustainable success across Australian sport.

"Pathways support is critical to the future of Australian sport, helping the AIS and sports to discover and develop our champions of the future," Conde said. "In some sports, it can take eight to 12 years to identify and develop a talented young athlete with potential through to them being a contender for medals at major international events. It requires long-term planning, commitment and investment.

"We thank the Australian Government for the funding that makes these sporting dreams possible for our next generation of athletes, and we look forward to seeing Australian Sailing implement these programs for the benefit of emerging athletes."

The Grant also includes funding for Pathway Coaching Scholarships.

"Australian Sailing would like to thank the AIS Executive, ASC Board, along with the Minister for Sport, Sen. Richard Colbeck for their support of this landmark project," said Australian Sailing High Performance Director Mike McGovern.

"I would also like to thank the work of the Australian Sailing team who have put the program together, particularly Melissa Wilson and our Performance Pathway Manager Ashley Brunning."

The Australian Sailing High Performance program is fully funded by government grants, sponsors and patrons.

For more information on the Performance Pathway, please visit the Australian Sailing Team website.