A new framework for Equestrian Australia‟s (EA) High Performance Program has been released, as the sport looks to develop an integrated pathway for competitors across all equestrian disciplines.
With the additional funding received from the Federal Government through the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and based on EA‟s strategic priorities (Creating our future: 2010-2016), EA was able to expand its High Performance Program (HPP).In addition to increased benefits for elite level competitors the program will now better capture up-and-coming athletes and horses through talent identification programs for the Olympic/Paralympic disciplines and will now also include non-Olympic disciplines.
The new framework was developed in consultation with EA‟s National Performance Directors along with program partners ASC, Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Australian Paralympic Committee (APC).
As the sport gears up for the London 2012 Olympic Games EA CEO Grant Baldock, said the new program will look to strengthen the solid foundations that have already been established in the sport.
“Our record at the Olympic Games has always been strong and that is a testament to the solid foundation the sport has provided over many years in delivering quality programs.
“But as we look to the future, we recognised the need to create a centralised national pathway to better support our athletes, both at home and abroad, as well as to incorporate our non-Olympic disciplines into the framework.
“While the centralised national pathway will provide added support to all athletes, from the “developing” to the “world-class” athlete, it will also extend to better support our owners, vets and team staff who all have a vital role to play in achieving excellence,” he said.
· The major features and changes to the program include:
· National pathway that focuses on providing a centralised support program to all
· Olympic/Paralympic disciplines across Australia and abroad
· Recognition and support of the non-Olympic disciplines within the High Performance
· framework
· Creation of a national talent identification program across all disciplines
· Working closely with the State Branches in program delivery
· Expanding the High Performance Squads – more than 250 athletes will be part of HPP - an increase from 80 athletes
· Increase of financial support to Olympic discipline elite athletes
· Dedicated owners program
· Development of a European training base to better support athletes participating
· overseas
· Using Information Technology infrastructure to support the overall HPP.
The “roadmap to success” is not only about medal performances and success in the short term, but designed to ensure athletes and horses are identified early on and bought into the HPP so that they can be monitored and guided throughout their career.
Australian Sports Commission’s Deputy General Manager of Funding, Andrew Collins, said it was important for the national sporting organisations to have sustainable plans in place to be able to build on success.
“The Australian Sports Commission is working hard with all their key sports to ensure they have the right planning in place ahead of London.
“We are pleased with the work Equestrian Australia has put in with their program that has been about building on the success in the past to deliver success for the future,” he said.
The full High Performance Program clearly outlines the key objectives for each discipline which EA CEO Grant Baldock explains are geared towards international results.
“Our international results and rankings allow us to attract funding and profile, so there is no secret that our High Performance Program aims for international excellence.
“In Beijing, we saw the team qualify in every discipline for the first time and at the World Equestrian Games we fielded a full team in every discipline as well as won Australia’s first WEG gold medal. We now want to take that to the next level and establish the system to create long term success,” he said.
The Equestrian Australia High Performance Program “Roadmap to success‟” 2011-2016, is now available on the EA website www.equestrian.org.au
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