AWD – Athletes with a Disability

What is the AWD Program?

The WRAS athletes with a disability (AWD) program provides regional based athletes, currently participating at elite or pre-elite levels, with education, support services (including strength and conditioning and physical testing)

Aim

The primary aim of the 2012 WRAS AWD program is to identify and develop athletes with a disability to progress successfully to the next level of representation at a regional, state or national level. Scholarships will be awarded based on the most recent performances by the athlete at regional, state, national or international age level.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a scholarship, athletes must:

• Reside or attend school in the Western Region (this area is bounded by Lithgow, Oberon, Cowra, West Wyalong, Condobolin, Narromine, Gilgandra, Dunedoo and Kandos/Rylstone
• Be involved in an individual or team sport
• Be aged 14 years and above on 1 January 2012. Special consideration may be given to athletes outside the eligible age, subject to approval of the WRAS Board
• If no longer attending school, must be in full time employment or undertaking full time study
• Meet the selection criteria as outlined

Athlete Requirements

• If selected athletes must attend all designated activities, events and any training sessions that are conducted throughout the duration of the program
• The program will run from November 2011 to June 2012

Selection Criteria

The following selection criteria MAY be taken into consideration during the entire selection process:

• Recent performances and rankings at events
• Recommendation of the respective State Sporting Organisation and/or Paralympic Organisation will be considered
• Interview with WRAS selection panel

Benefits to athletes

• Education/personal development sessions in areas that will support individual development such as sports nutrition, sports psychology, media presentation, drugs in sport etc
• Strength and Conditioning programs, support and advice (including Functional Movement Screening)
• Sports Science testing and support
• Optical screening
• Access to squad activities and events conducted by other regional academies in NSW on a fostering basis, where available
• Media recognition and assistance with increasing the profile of the athlete

Need more information?

If you require further information and details please contact the WRAS on 6338 4821