![Newly appointed Illawarra Academy of Sport president Sharon Wingate. Picture supplied Newly appointed Illawarra Academy of Sport president Sharon Wingate. Picture supplied](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/kZL4qV6yTxfrWZJxKQxjSN/19b1e28e-1cff-4c17-9665-62ca0144e21d.jpeg/r0_0_936_1109_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Sharon Wingate will lead a new era for the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) after recently being appointed its new president.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Shellharbour woman, who initially joined IAS as a director in 2018, and was elected vice-president in 2019, was appointed to the top job during IAS' AGM held at Wingecarribee Shire Council on November 29.
"I am honoured to be elected as the president of the Illawarra Academy of Sport. I extend my sincere thanks to the IAS members and fellow directors for their unwavering support.
"I look forward to building on the already established success of the IAS and working towards a prosperous future," Ms Wingate said.
Grant Hughes from Wollongong was appointed vice-president, supporting Ms Wingate as an office bearer.
Having served as acting president and interim CEO for much of 2023, Ms Wingate spoke to the highlights of 2023, which saw over 250 emerging Illawarra athletes from multiple disciplines earn an IAS scholarship, six of which becoming the first IAS athletes to be selected in the NSWIS Pursu32+ Talent Program ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
The IAS also welcomed new community member representatives:
- Joanna (Jo) Collinge, Community Member representative of Kiama
- Jonathon Seller, Community Member representative of Shoalhaven
- Ian Campbell, Community Member representative of Wingecarribee
Amy Duggan, Canio Fierravanti, Brian Weir and John Wells will continue to serve as directors of the IAS in 2024
The following were announced as IAS Foundation Members, representing their respective regions and positions:
- Canio Fierravanti, representing the Vice-Chancellor of UOW
- Jenny Towers, representing the Lord Mayor of Wollongong
- Brian Weir, representing the Mayor of Shellharbour
- Mark Croxford, representing the Mayor of Kiama
- Viv May, Administrator appointment of Wingecarribee Shire Council
- Matthew Graham, representing the Mayor of Shoalhaven
"Together with the recent appointment of Salv Carmusciano as the Academy's CEO, I have full confidence in the capabilities and expertise of our newly appointed team to nurture our youth's sporting talent, foster community engagement, and ensure the sustained success of the IAS," Ms Wingate said.