Central Coast para swimmer Declan Budd has been named Athlete with a disability of the Year at the 2024 Regional Academies of Sport Inc (RASi) Awards.
Held recently at the Wenty Leagues Club in Wentworthville, the event brought together all 11 RAS from across the state to recognise excellence in sport.
At the age of just 16, the Central Coast Academy of Sport athlete has had an exceptional year in para swimming, consistently demonstrating determination and perseverance both in and out of the pool.
Highlights of his year include: breaking the Male S14 50m Butterfly Short Course World Record in September 2024; competing as the youngest male swimmer in the 2024 European Para Swimming Championships and reaching the finals; being selected for the inaugural Paralympics Australia AIS Para Start Strong Squad; earning seven gold and two silver medals at the 2024 Australian Short Course Championships; winning 11 gold medals at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships; and setting multiple Australian records in both long and short courses across various events in his classification.
He was one of five outstanding athletes and coaches honoured at the annual event.
Other category winners were: Athlete of the Year, Sienna Toohey (swimming) – Southern Sports Academy; UAA Indigenous Athlete of the Year, Ocea Curtis (surfing) – North Coast Academy of Sport; Steadfast Athlete Leadership, Mia Richardson (basketball) – Western Region Academy of Sport; and Steadfast Coach Leadership, Jeff Cooper (basketball) – South West Sydney Academy of Sport.
The event, supported by Steadfast, UAA and ClubsNSW, was attended by representatives from NSW State Sporting Organisations, the NSW Office of Sport, the NSW Institute of Sport, the Australian Olympic Committee, and Paralympics Australia.
Other nominees from the Central Coast were: Athlete of the Year, Elley Hawken (basketball); UAA Indigenous Athlete of The Year, Jemma Wooden (netball); Steadfast Athlete Leadership, Ashton Patterson (hockey); and Steadfast Coach Leadership, Gavin Sutherland (golf).
RASi chairperson Brett O’Farrell said the event was a “pinnacle moment for regional sporting excellence”.
“It underscores the collective achievements of our athletes, coaches and stakeholders from across NSW’s diverse landscapes,” he said.
“With over 2,000 athletes and 300 coaching staff benefiting from RAS support services across 100-plus local government areas, the RASi network’s growth and impact are undeniable.
“As we journey towards Australia’s 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, the RASi’s recognition and influence continue to flourish across government entities, sporting institutions and communities alike.”
The RASi represents athletes from extensive geographic areas across NSW, providing crucial development pathways for future sporting stars.
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