THE REGION’S future sporting champions were celebrated on Saturday night when the Northern Inland Academy of Sport held their annual awards night.
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The academy’s annual event honoured those athletes who have gone above and beyond in their chosen sports throughout the year.
Walcha’s Andrew Brennan was awarded the Titlest Scholarship for golf.
He said it was a shock to receive it.
"I was pretty surprised,” he said.
“The scholarship is what they call a ball, hat, shoe and glove deal so I get free Titlest apparel for 12 months.
“Basically it is a one year sponsorship contract and it is with a brand I like so that is great."
In the 2016 program, the academy introduced new sports into the program including AFL and rugby sevens.
NIAS chief executive officer James Cooper highlighted the sporting talent in this year’s program as being outstanding.
He said the academy aimed to provide plenty of off-field opportunities to assist with the athletes’ on-field performances.
“Every kid that comes into NIAS wants to be an elite athlete but the reality of the situation is it is difficult to achieve and not everyone gets to do it so if they leave our academy better equipped to succeed in life, then we have done our jobs,” he said.