The Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) spots elite potential in young athletic stars and their scholarship pushes that potential to another level.
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They see a bright future in five cyclists from the Southern Highlands Cycling Club, as they have all been offered a scholarship to the IAS.
The athletes that received scholarships included Harry Denington, Jack Harris, Maizy Evans, Harrison Johnston and Luke Skelly.
When the scholarships were announced Harry Denington was thrilled but extremely thankful and humble.
“In the Southern Highlands we’re quite lucky to have amazing coaches,” he said.
“My coach Michel Vermande was apart of the IAS for a few years and he introduced me to the program.
“I’m extremely thankful and lucky to be apart of it.”
Maizy Evans has secured her place in the IAS and she said it would elevate her game.
“I’ll be moving into the under 17s so the competition will be stepping up and it will get tougher,” she said.
“So that’ll mean more training and I think that’s what the IAS will supply me with and I can’t wait.”
Jack Harris said the scholarship would be much more than just physical work.
“It will elevate our cycling, that’ll be obvious,” Harris said.
“But there will be a training in sport psychology and nutrition.”
On notification that he had made it into the IAS team, Luke Skelly was ecstatic.
“I was so happy when I found out,” he said.
“It feels like such a great accomplishment receiving this scholarship.”
Harrison Johnston said all the riders were happy and humbled to be apart of the IAS scholarship program but the passion and comradery was the main reason they cycle.
“It’s enjoyable and it’s something you can do with all your friends,” Harrison said.
“It’s also a great way to hang out and have a good time, so that’s where the love for the sport began and it still continues.”
President of the Southern Highlands Cycling Club Zac Hulm said the future is looking bright in junior cycling and its relationship with IAS.
“As we move into 2019, it’s these junior cyclists who are the future of the club,” Hulm said.
“Our relationship with the IAS is also stronger than ever.”