Pictured L-R Award winners Declan Budd, Mia Richardson, Jeff Cooper, Sienna Toohey, Ocea Curtis
Photo Credit: Luke Fuda Photography

Young athletes from across New South Wales gathered for the prestigious 2024 Regional Academies of Sport Inc (RASi) Awards, celebrating their outstanding achievements across the past year. Held at Wenty Leagues Club, Wentworthville, the event brought together all eleven RAS from across the state to recognize excellence in sport.

The Western Sydney Academy of Sport proudly acknowledges the achievements of its athletes who were nominated for prestigious awards at the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) Awards Night. Their dedication, perseverance, and remarkable performances continue to inspire our sporting community.

Among this year’s distinguished nominees were:

      • UAA Indigenous Award – Lara Hodges
        Lara, a dynamic netball star, who continues to showcase her skills on the court, representing both her culture and the Academy with pride. As an Indigenous athlete, Lara actively promotes her culture and embraces opportunities to represent her community. She has been honored with the Indigenous Future Star’s Scholarship and the Indigenous Future Stars Award, which recognize her significant contributions to both sport and the Indigenous community.
      • Athlete with a Disability Award – Sam Blade
        Sam, a current state champion in para-fencing, had a breakthrough year in 2024, making his international debut and achieving an incredible 10th place finish at the World Cup in Thailand. Sam also trained with the Italian Para Fencing team, acquiring advanced techniques and strategic insights to enhance Australian Para Fencing training programs. Sam is currently collaborating with his coach to form an Australian Para Fencing Team for the World Ability Games, set for November 2025 in Jakarta
      • Athlete of the Year – Matthew Engesser
        A standout competitor in the Academy’s Future Stars Paratriathlon Program, Matthew delivered impressive results at the Townsville duathlon, placed first and setting PB’s in running and cycling, a remarkable accomplishment at only 17 years old. Matthew also qualified for the World Sprint Triathlon, Matthew was Awarded the 2024 WSAS Sports Athlete of the Year and Pursue 32 NSWIS Values award, for demonstrating outstanding character and dedication to his core values
      • Steadfast Athlete Leadership Award – Ethan Mackie
        Ethan’s leadership qualities and commitment to his sport set a high standard for young athletes across Western Sydney. As a squad leader Ethan demonstrated his ability to inspire and engage others by bringing forward innovative ideas to improve academy programs. Ethan actively supports his local triathlon club, Panthers Tri Club, volunteering his time to assist with event organization and ensuring races go ahead successfully.

The Academy was also thrilled to see five-time Olympian and medalist Melissa Wu nominated for the Steadfast Coach Leadership Award. Melissa’s impact as a strength and conditioning coach has been invaluable, helping develop the next generation of elite athletes.

Among the winners, 15-year-old Swimmer Sienna Toohey from Southern Sports Academy (SSA) was named the RASi Athlete of the Year, marking a major milestone in her already impressive career. Toohey, a rising star in Australian swimming from Albury, has accumulated numerous accolades, including a Bronze medal in the 100m Breaststroke at the Olympic trials, where she broke Liesel Jones’ 24-year-old record. She holds Australian Age and Allcomers records in the 50m and 100m Breaststroke, has secured four gold medals at the Australian Age Championships, and won two medals at the Pan Pacific Championships. She has also been selected for the Australian Flipper Squad and NSW Open Team for their Junior Tour to Japan. Toohey was one of five outstanding athletes and coaches honored at the annual event. The award categories and winners included:

      • Athlete of the Year: Sienna Toohey (Swimming) – Southern Sports Academy
      • Athlete with a Disability of the Year: Declan Budd (Para Swimming) – Central Coast Academy of Sport
      • UAA Indigenous Athlete of the Year: Ocea Curtis (Surfing) – North Coast Academy of Sport
      • Steadfast Athlete Leadership: Mia Richardson (Basketball) – Western Region Academy of Sport
      • Steadfast Coach Leadership: Jeff Cooper (Basketball) – South West Sydney Academy of Sport

The event, proudly supported by Steadfast, UAA and ClubsNSW, was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including representatives from NSW State Sporting Organisations, the NSW Office of Sport, the NSW Institute of Sport, the Australian Olympic Committee, and Paralympics Australia. Guests included Dr. Hugh McDermott MP, Member for Prospect, AOC Chief Executive of Community Engagement James Edwards OAM, Melissa Wu OAM. As well as Guest Speakers and Olympians Bronte Campbell, Gordon Allan OAM – (Medalist and Alumni of WSAS) and Sarah Ryan OAM as MC. Key stakeholders, athletes, parents, and staff from the Regional Academies also attended, alongside the South West Sydney Academy of Sport and Western Sydney Academy of Sport, who co-hosted the event.

Brett O’Farrell, Chairperson for the RASi, highlighted the significance of the night: “This event stands as a pinnacle moment for regional sporting excellence. It underscores the collective achievements of our athletes, coaches, and stakeholders from across NSW’s diverse landscapes. With over 2,000 athletes and 300 coaching staff benefiting from RAS support services across 100+ Local Government Areas, the RASi network’s growth and impact are undeniable. As we journey towards Australia’s 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, the RASi’s recognition and influence continue to flourish across government entities, sporting institutions and communities alike.”

The RASi continue to represent athletes from extensive geographic areas across NSW, providing crucial development pathways for future sporting stars. As the network gains momentum and national recognition, its role in shaping Australia’s future Olympians and Paralympians remains stronger than ever. We look forward to seeing our RASi athletes in action in the upcoming 2025 Your local club Academy Games, held in Tamworth across the 12th – 14th April.