Deakin joins search for the next generation of Australian sports stars
Media releaseLocal aspiring Olympians aged between 12 and 25 years are being sought for a talent identification screening program at Deakin University's Melbourne Campus at Burwood on Friday 19 December.
Deakin has joined with the Australian Sports Commission's National Identification and Development program as one of 20 registered Talent Assessment Centres around the country.
Deakin sports scientist Dr Paul Gastin welcomed the partnership with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) in a combined effort to find the next generation of sports stars.
"The focus on talent identification and development within Australian sport has become a priority area as we face the challenge of competing against the larger nations such as the US and China. The partnership between Deakin and the ASC is crucial to this effort in an attempt to fast-track athletes to success," Dr Gastin said.
On Friday 19 December the Deakin Talent Assessment Centre will be running sessions for athletes who wish to validate their physical performance results generated by the ASC's online talent identification tool, eTID.
eTID can be accessed online at www.ausport.gov.au/etid and allows users to assess their sporting potential by entering results for a series of simple, home- based performance tests and measurements. Those who score above average are encouraged to visit the Talent Assessment Centre to have their results verified. Following this assessment they may then be invited to participate in the National Talent Identification and Development program.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring sports stars in the local community. I encourage athletes looking to move towards competing at an elite level to log onto the eTID site and enter their details. We might just discover the next star of the 2012 Olympic Games," Dr Gastin said.
The Deakin University Talent Assessment Centre will be conducting testing sessions on Friday 19 December at its Melbourne Campus at Burwood, 221 Burwood Highway. For further information about these sessions ring 9244 6613