Push for sporting academy

THE major Far North players in the sporting industry have all come together for the sport and recreation conference, with a regional academy a hot topic.

The sport and recreation conference is delivered by industry experts to cover the latest trends and future challenges impacting the sport and recreation industry.

The multi-day conference focuses on key local issues, through a unique blend of presentations, case studies and engaging workshops, to help build organisational capacity, inspire ideas and encourage individuals to take on challenges and strengthen sport and recreation clubs and organisations across Queensland.

James Cook University sports scientist Stephen Bird, who was a speaker at the conference yesterday, believes a regional sports academy should be situated in Cairns.

“We spoke about a centre of excellence scenario for the region,” Bird said.

“It was also brought up about how a Far North regional academy of sport would work.

“Everyone in attendance pretty much agreed that something of the kind would be great here and the discussion was to move forward to this.”

Bird said a working party would be the aim going forward to further help push for a regional academy.

The second day of the conference will be held today.