As the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) prepares to enter its next exciting chapter (moving to a world-class facility in Mile End), an Athlete Advisory Group (AAG) has been established so members can share their insights and advice.
Eight athletes have been announced as part of the group, representing the views and interests of their peers, around matters that affect SASI athletes’ experiences in high-performance sport.
The AAG members are:
- Jed Altschwager (Para-rowing)
- Nikki Ayers (Para-rowing)
- Lachie Davis (gymnastics - men’s artistic)
- Kiana Elliott (weightlifting)
- Abbie Gaudry (née Watts) (gymnastics - trampoline)
- Chris McHugh (beach volleyball)
- Tayte Ryan (cycling)
- Kaitlyn Schurmann (Para-cycling – alumni)
Kaitlyn Schurmann said she was honoured and excited to be part of the AAG where she believes the group will bring a unique perspective and positively impact the SASI culture.
“With SASI going through some major changes with the new branding as well as the new Mile End building, it is great to be a part of a group of athletes who can help shape SASI,” Schurmann said.
“It is good to see that SASI values the opinions of their athletes and alumni and is eager to provide a platform for empowering greatness off the field.
“I am excited to see this group highlight athletes’ strengths and the transferability of skills from elite sport to a more stereotypical professional environment.
“My hope for being part of this group is to unite athletes across the different sports to represent the athletes as a whole and what the important issues impacting them are.
“I hope the group can ensure and improve SASI’s position of being a place that attracts and retains the world’s best sporting talent.”
SASI Director Keren Faulkner was thrilled with the response to the call out for AAG members and believes they will have a large role to play in the organisation’s operations going forward.
“The SASI leadership team has committed to including the athlete voice in more of our decisions as we believe this is an integral part of being at the heart of South Australia’s sporting success” Faulkner said.
“I’m really proud of the athletes who expressed their interest to be part of the AAG, displaying their enthusiasm and passion for this new initiative and understanding how it can make a difference at SASI.
“The diversity within this athlete group will ensure a wide variety of views and experiences are brought to the table and I’m confident this will lead to better outcomes for our entire athlete cohort.”
The group will meet once a month and some of the first items up for discussion will include connecting athletes across different sports, welcoming new athletes to SASI and preparing for the move to Mile End.
