The AIS Sailing program has taken out the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Program of the Year award at a ceremony  held in Canberra last night.

The Sailing program, based in New South Wales, enjoyed excellent domestic and international seasons in 2010.

The AIS/Australian Sailing Team won two World Championships and finished second and third in two classes, with the team now boasting three world number one ranked crews. AIS scholarship holder Tom Slingsby was last month named 2010 ISAF World Sailor of the Year, becoming the first Australian to win the prestigious award.
AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker paid tribute to the program and AIS head coach Victor Kovalenko.

“The tremendous results in sailing reflect the professionalism of this program,” Professor Fricker said.

“This applies across the program from athletes and coaching staff to the dedicated administrative and technical staff and service providers. 

“Victor has shown the program how to win and has been integral to the development of the program’s ongoing success.

“It’s been a great year for the AIS sailing program and all involved should be very proud.”   

The AIS Sailing program has now won three of the past four AIS Program of the Year Awards.

Other major 2010 AIS Awards presented tonight at the AIS Arena included:

AIS Athlete of the Year: Lydia Lassila (Aerial Skiing)

AIS Junior Athlete of the Year: Lauren Mitchell (Gymnastics)

AIS Team of the Year: Australian Men’s Hockey Team  

AIS Coach of the Year: RichCharlesworth (Men’s Hockey)

The full list of award winners is on the 2010 Honour Roll at www.ausport.gov.au

Contact: David Packwood, AIS Media Officer 0408 417894.