On 19 August, the AIS Director   together with the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) launched the AIS   Sports Draft and Para-sports Draft (the Drafts). To   date we are on track for finding our future stars with over 250 individuals   expressing their interest online.

Below is some key information we think   you will find relevant on the Drafts and some crucial ways in which you can   assist us in finding athletes with maximum potential.

AIS Sports Draft
  Following   the success of the 2013 AIS Sports Draft – combat sports the focus this year   is on speed, power and agility and will see the inclusion of the inaugural   Para-sports Draft, which is a joint initiative with the APC.

Athletes are being provided with   opportunities in: 

•   athletics:   throwing, pole vault and sprinting up to 400 meters
•   rugby   7s:   women
• hockey   goalies: women
• combat   sports: judo, boxing and taekwondo
• paddling   sports: kayak and canoe (sprint and slalom)
• cycling:   track   sprint

Para-sports Draft
  This   Para-sport Draft is more targeted in its approach and is calling for   individuals with cerebral palsy and other neurological type impairments such   as multiple sclerosis or an acquired brain injury.

It initially focuses on the   recruitment of new individuals into the targeted sports of para-athletics,   para-cycling and para-swimming. However, opportunities within a number of   other sports exist for those who show potential.

Selection process and key dates
  Athletes   have until 28 September to express their interest online, following that,   successful athletes will be notified and invited to attend a state based   selection trial which will commence in October.

At the selection trials, athletes will   take part in a range of physical and mental testing. Following these   screenings identified athletes will be invited to sport specific testing and   skill sessions conducted by the relevant sport.  

For the AIS Sports Draft a   final camp will be held at the AIS for successful athletes. If successful   athletes will commence a 12-month training opportunity with coaches and   support from sport scientists and specialists.

For the Para-sports Draft,   successful athletes will have a 12-month training opportunity with a targeted   coach, as well as guidance provided by the AIS and APC to kick-start their   sporting career.

How can you and your organisation   help?
  The   success of the 2013 AIS Sports Draft was due to the critical support and   promotion provided from national sporting organisations, sports sector and   donor sports.

In 2013 it was identified that a more   targeted approach was required to encourage participation from select   community and cultural groups such as indigenous and people with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.   It is through your connections with such target groups that we ask you to   disseminate this information. 

Promotional tools
  To   ensure that we are targeting athletes with maximum potential we are asking   for your assistance in promoting the Drafts.

Below, outlines some useful tools and   ways in which you can assist the AIS in promotion of the Drafts. We ask that   you share this through your networks and sporting channels:  

•   Flyer:   can   be placed on websites or printed and placed at sporting grounds.
•   Web   button: to be placed on websites linking to the AIS webpage.
•   Video: AIS   Sports Draft and Para-sports Draft video can be   linked in newsletters, on websites or shown at sporting matches.
•   Facebook   and twitter: promotional posts can be shared on social   media channels.

If you would like to know more about   the Drafts please visit the website or contact:

AIS Sports Draft                                      Para-sports   Draft
  Ash     Synnott                                          Richard   Nicholson
  0423 946   685                                           0402   462 220
  [email protected]               [email protected]