A new group of athlete leaders has been selected to help shape the future direction of the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI), with nine representatives announced as part of the latest SASI Athlete Advisory Group (AAG).

The AAG plays an important role in ensuring athletes have a strong voice within SASI, providing feedback and advice on the athlete experience, wellbeing, performance environments and key initiatives across the institute.

Representing a broad cross-section of sports and experiences, the newly appointed members will work closely with SASI leadership to advocate for the interests and perspectives of high-performance athletes.

The new SASI AAG members are:

• Rowan Crothers (Para Swimming)
• Anu Francis (Para Triathlon)
• Chris McHugh (Beach Volleyball – Alumni)
• Fernando Grez Montiel (Wheelchair Basketball)
• Hamish Allan (Rowing)
• Solly Bushby (Beach Volleyball)
• Darcy Miller (Athletics)
• Hannah Gough (Lacrosse)
• Gabe McKenna-Lieschke (Coordinator)

New AAG member Rowan Crothers said he was looking forward to representing fellow athletes and contributing to the future direction of SASI.

“As athletes, we spend so much of our time learning how to navigate all the complexities and dynamics that sit around the sports we love,” Crothers said.

“SASI’s Athlete Advisory Group is a deep and talented field of athletes - not just in sporting ability, but in the care we all hold for the people in the system around us.

“I’m so excited to be a part of the group and to use my skills and experience to make SASI a better place for all.”

The previous Athlete Advisory Group played a key role in supporting athletes through SASI’s transition into its new high-performance facility at Mile End, while also contributing to initiatives including the design and development of new uniforms for able-bodied and Para athletes.

SASI Director Keren Faulkner said the group ensured athletes remained at the centre of decision making across the institute.

“Having athletes directly involved in conversations about the future of SASI is incredibly important,” Faulkner said.

“Our Athlete Advisory Group provides a valuable platform for athletes to share their experiences, raise ideas and help shape an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the field of play.

“This group brings together a diverse mix of sports, backgrounds and experiences, and I’m excited to see the insights and leadership they will bring over the next 12 months.

“I’d also like to sincerely thank our outgoing Athlete Advisory Group members for the significant contribution they made, particularly during our transition into the new SASI facility and across a range of athlete-focused initiatives.”

The Athlete Advisory Group will meet every two months, helping to strengthen collaboration between athletes and SASI leadership while contributing to the ongoing development of SASI’s high-performance programs and culture.