The Illawarra Academy of Sport held their annual partner appreciation function at the Wollongong Golf Club last Friday August 8.

The event was a huge success, with more than 70 partners and friends of the academy in attendance. Wollongong Lord Mayor, Gordon Bradbery made a passionate speech about the academy and the great sporting citizens that have been through the program.

He thanked the academy for contributing to our community and investing in our people.

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NETBALL FASTNET DAY

The Illawarra Academy of Sport will be hosting a Netball Fastnet day this Sunday, August 17. Fastnet is a variation of netball featuring shortened games and goals worth multiple points, as well as some modified rules.

The academy has invited all associations to send up to eight of their talent identified players in the age group 13 to 14 to participate, giving them first-hand experience as to what the IAS has to offer. Association and academy players will be divided into teams to play in the Fastnet format from 9am to noon followed by a barbecue lunch.

The games will be held at the University of Wollongong Sports Hub.

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NOMINATIONS FOR 2015 SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS NOW OPENED

The Illawarra Academy of Sport is currently calling for nominations for 2015 Sports Scholarships for cycling, golf, athletes with a disability (AWD), lawn bowls, individual athletes (IAP), hockey, netball, rugby union and triathlon. Academy scholarships provide opportunities for young pre-elite athletes to join the region's leading body for sports training, physical development and education.

Athlete nominations can officially be submitted online through the IAS website.

IAS scholarships will commence in October following an extensive selection process, which includes trials and interviews prior to offers being made.

Scholarship programs run for 12 months.

For more information go to the IAS website ias.org.au or call the office on 4225 3899.

Nominations close tomorrow.

Trials and athlete interviews will be held throughout September.