In brilliant sunshine, a large crowd of young and old sports lovers witnessed a parade of athletes and VIS high-performance staff who wore green and gold in Paris.
Throughout the day dozens of Olympians and Paralympians, including race walking medallists Jemima Montag and Rhydian Cowley, swimming world champion Sam Williamson, Para-cycling gold medallist Emily Petricola, Paralympic 1500m medallist Reece Langdon and Olympic and Paralympic table tennis player Melissa Tapper, mingled with fans who got the opportunity to explore and experience the inner workings of the state’s peak high-performance sporting facility.
Of the 122 VIS athletes who competed in Paris, 24 of them returned home with medals. Over 30 VIS high-performance experts assisted the Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams.
The 2024 Open Day was a free event held at VIS headquarters at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park. Over 2400 tickets were registered, with fans attending from all over the state.
Visitors got to participate in demonstrations and activities conducted by VIS experts, athletes and partners. 20 sports were offering demonstrations or the opportunity for patrons to test themselves.
Archery, wheelchair basketball and skateboarding were big hits. Photographs on the VIS podium with athletes and the chance to wear their medals and get their autographs were also extremely popular.
“Yesterday I saw so many happy faces. Children and adults enjoying the opportunity to have a look behind the scenes and interact with our heroes,” VIS CEO, Anne Marie Harrison, said.
“The positive power of sport was everywhere. You could see the wonder in a child holding a medal or the fascination of a parent discussing with an athlete their playground-to-podium journey.
“And for our athletes, it was the opportunity to reconnect and share their experiences and witness the sense of joy they bring to the community.
“It was wonderful to see so many people come along, listen, play, learn and enjoy themselves.”
The VIS has a rich 34-year history. Many of Australia’s finest athletes have trained out of the VIS, including Catherine Freeman and Cadel Evans, snowboarding star Scotty James, Matildas captain Steph Catley, swimmers Leisel Jones and Mack Horton and wheelchair basketball and tennis star Dylan Alcott.
The holistic, multi-faceted training and support athletes at the VIS receive includes specialised coaching, sport science and sports medicine services, career and education advice, and training and competition support. VIS specialists from all of these fields were on hand.
Watch the event highlights video now:
