AIS European Training Centre unites nations through sport

Australia has gathered some of its fiercest Olympic and Paralympic rivals at the AIS European Training Centre (ETC) in Italy in a show of collaboration and the connective power of sport.

A Post Olympic and Paralympic Workshop brought together high performance sport leaders from the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, France, Italy, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Austria and the Netherlands.

Led by the Australian Sports Commission's Matti Clements and Fiona de Jong, the 12 participating nations each presented their unique insights, reflections and knowledge from Paris 2024.

AIS ETC Lead Fiona de Jong explained that by sharing global best practices and challenges, we can uplift and strengthen efforts to support athletes universally.

With Brisbane hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the uniquely positioned AIS ETC will help Australia maximise the ‘green and gold decade’.

The key workshop showcased Australia’s “home away from home” and forged connections which may help Australian sports train and compete around the world with greater ease.

“As we enter horizon two of the Win Well strategy, we are developing an approach around international relations to assist sports and benefit athletes- this workshop exemplifies that strategy in action,” Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said.

Clements presented and provided insights into Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Strategy, Win Well to her 25 foreign counterparts.

As per the Win Well pledge- which emphasises challenging and caring for the people of sport- delegates also enjoyed the wellbeing activities which many athletes enjoy at the ETC- a bike ride along Lake Varese, a morning trail run in Campo dei Fiori and a HIIT cardio workout in the ETC gym.

“It was really clear that investment in athlete wellbeing and rights is a universal focus for these top sporting nations and for the future sustainability of sport,” Ms Clements said.

Delegates had a rewarding ETC experience and applauded Australia’s leadership in sport through this unique initiative.