Ever wanted to dip your toes in the waters that Michael Klim trained in as he chased Olympic gold? Run on the track Kyle Vander Kuyp notched up countless miles on in pursuit of greatness? Walk the hallowed halls that saw Lauren Jackson grow into Australia’s greatest basketballer?

Your opportunity is fast approaching.

The AIS is holding an Open Day on Sunday 28 April 2013, where visitors will have the opportunity to delve deeper than ever before into the lives of Australia’s high performance athletes.
Opened in 1981 in response to a wave of criticism that Australia had failed to win a single gold medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, the AIS has been the breeding ground for many of Australia’s greatest sporting heroes ever since. It occupies an important place in Canberra’s history, with the Open Day part of the capital’s centenary celebrations.

A range of exciting activities will be on offer, including:

• free ‘behind the scenes’ tours of the AIS
• athlete signings and free fitness checks
• screenings of the ‘30 years of AIS sport in Canberra’ featurette
• show bags and a treasure hunt for the kids
• hot air balloon rides
• water polo and netball league matches, as well as athletics events.

The Open Day will start at 9am and run until 3pm. Activities will be staged across the whole AIS venue with a central hub and stage adjacent to the Sports Visitor Centre. Free parking is available.