New and returning UWA student athletes were welcomed to the 2023 UWA Student Athlete Development Program Welcome Lunch, at the UWA Water Sport Complex held on Thursday 23 February 2023.

Held annually, the welcome lunch provides an opportunity for UWA’s student athletes to meet and greet key University staff and the student athlete community.  This year special guests included UWA Vice Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma, Chair of the UWA Sports Advisory Council John Inverarity, UWA Sports Council President Emma Bond and UWA Guild President Geemal Jayawickrama.

The UWA Student-Athlete Development Program supports student athletes, coaches and officials and houses some of Australia’s highest achieving Olympians, World Champions, and Sporting Professionals. With over 400 athletes across 53 different sports UWA Sport is proud to have the highest number of student-athletes in Western Australia. The program’s ethos is “people first, student second and athlete third”.  Providing student-athlete’s access to a variety of support mechanisms to aid in balancing and achieving their dual career aspirations.

The lunch provided a platform for the new cohort of student athletes to make connections with one another and meet those returning to the program. Students received key advice from a guest panel, including careers and employability advice, how to manage exam stress and time management and employment opportunities within UWA Sport.

The event concluded with a peer-driven panel discussion that starred accomplished student athletes Emma Bond, Michael Christie and Jaide Britton. These seasoned athletes shared insights on their university experience along with tips and tricks on balancing academics and sporting commitments.

UWA Sport congratulate and welcome all new student athletes to the university and program, and we look forward to supporting all athletes on their academic journey.