Opportunity for Ararat athletes

Young elite sports people from Ararat district will be able to take part in essential training in the region rather than travel to larger centres as a result of a new partnership.

Feduni’s Westvic Academy of Sport, Ararat Fitness Centre and Ararat Rural City Council have joined forces to help athletes reach their potential.

Track and field athletes Keelan Perry, 14, and Eugene Read-spinks, 16, and skateboarder Brad Saunders, 17, will be the first to benefit under the new partnership.

Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the partnership meant participants would be able to pursue training programs in the district, saving time and money.

He said Ballarat-based WestVic Academy provided programs that covered sporting elements such as strength and conditioning, fitness testing, skills training and education.

Cr Harrison said Ararat Fitness Centre would help provide these programs through free use of the centre and access to personal trainers.

“The partnership will greatly reduce the need for these upand-coming athletes to travel, something that can be a fi- nancial burden and time constraint for sports people with potential,” he said.

“We are really excited by what the program will mean for these athletes. Not only will it help Keelan, Brad and Eugene directly, but it also signals to young people in the local area that you don’t have to move to a major centre to reach your goals.”

The academy runs programs for sports such as badminton, cycling and netball, and provides talent identification services to an even broader spectrum.