The Western Australian Institute of Sport has welcomed the release of the Crawford Report into the direction of Australian sport, with Executive Director Steve Lawrence saying WAIS is well placed for the future.
Speaking to the media following the release of the report in Canberra by the Federal Minister for Sport, the Hon. Kate Ellis, Lawrence commented that finally seeing the contents of the report has eased some of the tension within Australian sport before going on to suggest that WAIS could be a beneficiary of the recommendations.
“The release of the report removes the angst of the unknown so we can now focus our energies on making positive moves forward,” he said.
“It is not going to be the end of WAIS,” Lawrence stated.
“Maybe we will have a slight naming change, but the idea that there will be an opportunity for Western Australians inside WA to represent their country I am sure will remain.
“We have got great climate, we have got generally great facilities, we have already got the national hockey program here and probably one of the world’s best pole vault programs in WA
“As long we continue to provide those facilities and resources then I am sure that WA will be able to play a significant part in the national system.
“I would see more opportunities than threats out there. WA although it is remote has a great location in terms of weather, climatic conditions are important for elite training
“As long as you have got good coaches, good facilities and good weather and good back up resources you can provide optimum locations for athletes.”
The Federal Government is expected to respond formally to the report early in the new year, with the Australian Olympic Commitee in the meantime convening a study group to examine in detail Crawford’s recommendations. Lawrence will represent both WAIS and the National Elite Sports Council on the study group early next month.
