20 May 2020
NEW CHAIR FOR NORTH COAST ACADEMY OF SPORT BOARD
The North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) has welcomed a new Chairman, just the 5th in its 31 year history.
Academic Dr Greg Downes has taken the baton from long time Chair Dr Dave Arthur who chose to step down earlier this month after 9 years in the role.
“Dave has been instrumental in the success of the Academy over a number of years and must be acknowledged for his extraordinary contribution,” Dr Downes said.
Dr Downes has been on the Management Board of NCAS for 19 years and has a passion for sport. A regular swimmer and cyclist, he has a Masters degree in International Sports Management and his PHD focused on the evolution of women’s soccer.
“As with all sectors of society, the Academy is facing new challenges created by the Covid-19 crisis, however, we have reacted quickly and provided comprehensive online learning opportunities for the Academy’s 2019 athletes.
“Our coaches have also been extremely innovative and created new ways to keep the athletes training and motivated during isolation.
“In conjunction with the Regional Academies of Sport Inc (RASI) we are in constant discussions with the State Government on the best way forward for all sports, not just those we currently work with.” Dr Downes said.
The North Coast Academy of Sport is part of the RASi, a network of sport academies assisting talented junior athletes from regional areas of NSW. Established in 1989, NCAS services a coastal region from Laurieton to Tweed Heads and its mission is:
To facilitate the identification and development of talented junior athletes from the North Coast of NSW. In order to achieve this mission, the Academy supports talent development programs in partnership with state and regional sporting organisations, and conducts development activities for athletes and coaches. Since 1989 the Academy has assisted many athletes to achieve success at state, national and international level.
