Minister for Sport and ACT Senator Kate Lundy today officially opened the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Open Day and the Australian Little Athletics Championships as part of Canberra’s centenary celebrations.

Canberra is welcoming more than 180 young athletes from across Australia who are converging on the AIS track and field facility to compete in the Little Athletics Championships, as the AIS opened its doors to the public for third time in its history.

Senator Lundy said it was fitting that the Australian Little Athletics Championships was held on the same day as the AIS Open Day to help inspire future generations of champions and to encourage greater participation.

“The AIS Open Day was a fantastic opportunity for Canberrans – and indeed all visitors to the nation’s capital – to experience first-hand the world-best facilities the high-performance leader has to offer,” Senator Lundy said.

“The AIS will continue to be a strong part of the Canberra community as the Australia’s Winning Edge strategy is implemented.”

“Since opening its doors in 1981, the AIS has produced champions who have gone on to dominate their sport; Lauren Jackson, Ricky Ponting, Alisa Camplin OAM, John Eales OAM, Rob De Castella MBE, and Louise Sauvage OAM to name just a few.”

Senator Lundy said it is great to have the 180 Little Athletes in Canberra fulfilling the motto of ‘being your best’ and celebrating 50 years of little athletics.

“Little Athletics has become an iconic part of Australian sport and culture with Little Athletics Australia reporting more than four million children had participated in its events since its inception,” Senator Lundy said.

“It is fitting that such icons of Australian history – in Little Athletics Australia and the AIS – shared in the 100th anniversary celebrations of Canberra. The AIS will continue to be a driving force under the Australia’s Winning Edge initiatives.”