Tuesday 25 May marked the official opening of the new Queensland Academy of Sport headquarters by the Premier of Queensland, Mr Peter Beattie, and the Deputy Premier and Minister for Sport, Mr Terry Mackenroth.
A function was held in the Track and Field Room at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) to launch the refurbished establishment and officially welcome the QAS. QAS Executive Director, Mr Alex Baumann, was master of ceremonies for the event. Guest speakers included the Premier of Queensland, Deputy Premier, QAS Chairman of the Board, Mr Doug Ryan and Minister for Police & Corrective Services and Local Member for Mt Gravatt, Ms Judy Spence.
Special acknowledgement was attributed to the Queensland Government for their commitment to ensuring that Queensland's elite athletes are provided with world-class training facilities. The new headquarters now allows the QAS to consolidate its operations, integrating all functions of the QAS and allowing a majority of programs to be centralised in the one location. Some of the benefits include:
- A weight training facility that is double the size of the previous one.
- An improved sport science laboratory that includes an environmental chamber which provides a controlled monitoring system for heat, cold and humidity.
- Expansion of medical services available on-site to include access to a psychologist, nutritionist and doctor. It also provides the opportunity for expansion into athlete rehabilitation services.
- An expanded information centre housing books, journals, videos and CD-Roms enabling coaches and athletes to keep up to date with the latest research in their sport.
- A nutrition training centre allowing athletes to learn how to prepare healthy meals.
- Offices for all coaches and support staff.
After the official proceedings guests were invited for a tour of the new QAS facilities. The Premier and Deputy Premier were impressed by the strength and conditioning training demonstration provided by some of our top athletes in the new weight training facility. They were also interested in the scientific work conducted by QAS Sports Scientists in the laboratory. Special attention was directed to the QAS developed, world leading, Interactive Race Analysis System where they were shown a breakdown of the 100m freestyle swimming race that Libby Lenton swam to claim the world record. The Premier also had a chance to test his golf swing using a force plates test. This involved hooking the Premier up with electro magnets and analysing the quality of his golf swing with relation to his stance and technique. For someone who doesn't play golf, the Premier didn't do too badly!
Overall, the launch was a great success!
Last Updated: 04 06 2004
