Retired Australian Institute of Sport swimmer, triple Athens gold medal winner and proud Canberran Petria Thomas will today help the University of Canberra and the Australian Sports Commission promote a joint partnership to meet present and future sport industry needs.

Thomas, who swam an estimated 40 000 kilometres in her time at the AIS in Canberra, herself managed to graduate with a Sports Management degree from UC in 2004 and is now employed in a key sports administration role with Canberra’s Australian Sports Commission.

The ASC and the UC will work together to develop courses within the Centre for Sports Studies and work towards making the University a leader in providing quality sports-related education and research.  This will include new course offerings, flexible modes of delivery, short courses, joint research, student projects and consultancies.

Thomas joined ASC CEO, Mark Peters and University of Canberra Vice Chancellor, Professor Stephen Parker for the announcement at the University of Canberra.