The Academy of Sport at Waiariki was launched in 2007 to provide an environment where young, talented athletes of the region can prioritise their sport while also gaining a tertiary qualification.

In 2007, five athletes were awarded a three-year scholarship waiving their fees for the duration of their studies, as well as full support in sport science and medicine. Since then the academy has grown to 60 athletes on two levels of support.

Sport science and medicine support is managed by the Academy of Sport staff. Services to athletes include individual programme planning, testing, and prescription in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, and physical training and conditioning. Academy staff work with the athletes, their individual coaches, and their mentors to provide complete support through training and competition.

The Waiariki region offers ideal training environments in numerous sports. Besides the major sports, the academy focuses on those for which this region is so well known, including mountain biking, kayaking and golf.

Modelled on the New Zealand Academy of Sport System
The Academy of Sport is modelled on New Zealand Academy of Sport (NZAS), the government high performance sport system that delivers support to New Zealand's most elite athletes. It bridges the gap between when athletes leave secondary school and when they reach the fully supported NZAS system.

Backed by Bay of Plenty's First Sport Science Facility
Waiariki launched a sport science facility on campus in February 2008. This facility provides athletes with a further platform and edge to develop and push their sporting potential.
In 2010 Waiariki opened a new sport and recreation centre on Mokoia Campus. This enhances the offer of a "one-stop" training centre of excellence for aspiring athletes.

Training Squads – the Academy of Sport offers four training squads:

• Mountain Bike/Bike Squad Kayak/Waka Ama Squad
• Golf Squad
• General Sports Squad
  

These squads provide the opportunity to train alongside other talented athletes with the very best support. For information on squads and coaches, visit waos.waiariki.ac.nz

More info on our website: waos.waiariki.ac.nz