More of Australia’s top athletes will gain access to tertiary education as a result of the renewal of the partnership. As Australia’s leading provider of specialist bachelor’s degrees in sport, fitness, health, dance, and physical education, ACPE has committed to a further four-year partnership with the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS).
The high-performance organisation will continue to benefit from ACPE’s contribution as an official education provider, which will help support athletes who wish to balance their athletic development and performance with flexible study options.
Michael McKnight, Partnership Manager at ACPE, was pleased to renew their agreement with NSWIS.
“We are delighted to continue our relationship with NSWIS and to be playing a key role in the personal and professional development of high-performance athletes,” he said.
“We are committed to working with NSWIS to create equitable opportunities for all athletes, no matter their chosen sport or desired field of study.”
NSWIS CEO Kevin Thompson was thrilled to have confirmed ACPE’s ongoing support of athletes.
“The Institute operates around the purpose of supporting Australian athletes to become world’s best, and an athlete’s personal and professional development forms a key part of that process,” he said.
“ACPE provides our athletes with a tremendous opportunity to advance their tertiary education and the partnership has delivered proven results. We look forward to seeing both organisations continue to prosper from the continued relationship over the coming years.”
Stacey McManus is a current NSWIS softball athlete as well as a student at ACPE. The 31-year-old spoke about the support received from both organisations to enable her to effectively balance training for the Tokyo Olympic Games as part of the Australian softball squad with her current bachelor’s degree; “The training and commitments of an elite athlete can be quite strenuous, and it can be easy to lose sight of your own educational and career goals,” she said.
“Studying at ACPE not only gives me flexibility but peace of mind in knowing I had the time and support to progress with my studies at a pace that suited my lifestyle.”
Maureen Rocha, Director of Student Services and Wellbeing at ACPE, shared why the organisation was the perfect place for NSWIS athletes to study;“Our Elite Athlete, Performer and Coach Program offers the support and flexibility that high performance athletes need to maintain their professional and education commitments,” she said.
“Personalised study plans, alternate examination timetables, modified assessments, as well as seven days a week academic assistance provides NSWIS athletes with the support necessary to be successful academically, and in sport.”
From day one, athletes who receive the scholarships will benefit from individualised help and flexibility to ensure their studies fit in with their respective sporting schedules through a dedicated Elite Athlete Support Advisor. This is further complimented by the Institute’s athlete, wellbeing and engagement team, who help athletes to manage their sporting careers with their education, careers and professional development.
Are you an NSWIS athlete and would like to enquire about a scholarship? Please click here to find out more.
