Limestone Coast locals shine on State stage

THE annual South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) Awards were held at the Adelaide Convention Centre recently, honouring the State’s top athletes, coaches and high-performance staff, and two Limestone Coast athletes were part of the awarded cohort.

Former Limestone Coast based hockey star Lucy Sharman was named SASI Junior Female Athlete of the Year, while fellow former local Jed Altschwager shared the SASI Para Athlete of the Year with his rowing colleague Nikki Ayers.

The awards presented recognise South Australians who have excelled in their sporting endeavours over the past 12 months, acknowledging their outstanding contributions, perseverance and achievements.

Many memorable moments and medal wins from the Paris Olympic/Paralympic Games, and World Championship events were celebrated at the event.

In addition to these outstanding results and tonight’s important recognition of people, it’s been a momentous year for SASI with the $88 million SASI build at Mile End and the $15 million Australian Centre for Sports Aerodynamics.

South Australian Minister for Sport Kathryn Hilyard said our much loved South Australian sporting stars enthralled us in a transformative year which saw remarkable performances at Olympic and Paralympic Games and a giant step taken to position South Australia as the sporting capital of our nation.

“SASI athletes, coaches and other personnel are now operating from the state of the art $88m new SASI headquarters,” Minister Hilyard said. “The new SASI is breath-taking with athletes being supported to chase their sporting dreams in this incredible new environment.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate all nominees and award winners on their incredible displays of sporting excellence, hard work, dedication and perseverance. These role models play a crucial role in promoting physical activity and health to all South Australians so they can enjoy the physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing benefits of ‘having a go’.”