The next generation of Tasmanian sporting champions are being urged to take the first step on the road to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.
The Tasmanian Institute of Sport is inviting talented athletes between the ages of 14 and 20 to be part of the Talent ID for 2032 project in preparation for the third Olympics on Australian soil.
The project aims to identify athletes with the potential physical, physiological and mental capabilities to become Olympic and Paralympic champions.
Talent ID testing days will be held in Ulverstone (on Monday 20 April), Launceston (Tuesday 21 April) and Hobart (Friday 24 April) for which registrations close on Wednesday 15 April.
TIS Senior Talent Identification Coordinator Gina Vernon said the testing includes a beep test, 20-metre sprint and vertical jump as well as sport-specific exercises to help match participants to their most suited sport.
For many athletes, the testing day is a significant step on their way to achieving their sporting dreams.
Jasper Twitchett is among those to have become involved in the TIS Talent ID program after attending a testing day.
“I’d definitely recommend going along,” he said. “There’s nothing to lose, so much to gain and it can take you as far as you want to go.”
Twitchett now trains with fellow 16-year-old Sam Dettmer, plus Isaac Pietsch and Nate Bristol, both 18, who all row together at St Patrick’s College and North Esk Rowing Club.
He is delighted he took the step to attend the testing day.
“I went along with a couple of friends because I thought it would be cool to have a go at professional sport science testing and see what I’d get out of it.
“It was a pretty straight-forward series of tests: running, jumping, measuring, reactions etc, and we were told we’d hear back on which sports might suit us.
“They suggested rowing which I was already partially involved in and I became involved in the TID program. I’ve since been on a few camps and heard from some elite athletes plus we have access to advice about diet, stretching and gym work.
“I think the Talent ID program is a great opportunity and something that is not commonly available.”
TID testing will be held on:
- Monday 20 April, at Ulverstone Sport and Leisure Centre
- Tuesday 21 April, at Elphin Sports Centre, Launceston
- Friday 24 April, at Southern Tasmanian Netball Association, Hobart
Register at: www.tis.tas.gov.au/services/tid2032
Registrations close on Wednesday 15 April.