The first quarter of 2013 has been a busy period for Australian sport. We continue implementing Australia’s Winning Edge and I’m grateful for the cooperation of our sports partners as we advance this strategy.

One of the most important items on our current agenda is the upcoming announcement on funding for sports.

Throughout February and March we asked sports to present their High Performance Cases outlining how they will contribute to achieving the medal targets set out in Australia’s Winning Edge. This has allowed us to develop a set of high performance recommendations for the consideration of our Board, with funding outcomes to be announced in the near future.

This activity is on top of a series of significant announcements and events since my last message. 

Importantly, we have identified a set of mandatory Governance Principles. With improvement in governance now linked to ASC funding grants, this will significantly improve accountability in Australian sport, providing dividends for both Australia’s high performance success as well as grass roots participation.

We have also released two significant research reports. The Future of Australian Sport report was conducted by the CSIRO on behalf of the ASC and identified six megatrends that are likely to shape sport over the next 30 years. The Market Segmentation for Sport research examines the motivators and barriers that underpin Australians’ decisions to participate in sport. Both are important contributions and will guide how sport is approached in the coming years.

We have also now sought applications for three exciting programs. The AIS Centre for Performance Coaching and Leadership will launch its inaugural Performance Coach and Performance Leaders programs in May, while the Sport Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women provides women involved in sport with leadership development opportunities. Similarly, the Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership program looks to create opportunities for young people in new and emerging communities to participate in sport. I encourage anyone who is eligible to apply for these opportunities.

In the wake of the very successful Our Sporting Future Forum 2013 — where the long-term sustainability of sport was discussed —there is another not-to-be-missed event on the horizon. For those who will be in Canberra on Sunday 28 April, you will have a chance to unravel the mystery behind Australia’s high performance athletes at the AIS Open Day. I hope to meet many of you on the day to celebrate what is a momentous year for Australian sport.

Simon Hollingsworth
ASC CEO