2009-10 Annual Report - Australian Water Polo Inc

6
➤ Chief Executive Officer’s
Report
I am privileged to be the CEO of Australian Water
Polo Inc, not only because it has held such a special
part in my life, but an opportunity to be an integral part
of the next growth cycle of the sport. Water polo is a
genuine, welcoming and inclusive sport that is available
to both young and old, male and female from Flippa Ball
to masters.
Within these opening lines it is appropriate that
I mention the tremendous support we receive from
the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian
Olympic Committee and I thank the Chief Executive
Officer of the ASC, Matt Miller, and the President of the
AOC, John Coates, respectively.
Among our significant partners are our State Institutes
and Academies through which our talented athletes
receive the major part of their high performance training.
I must mention the significant help and assistance we
have received as a national sporting body from the
CEO of the New South Wales Institute of Sport, Charles
Turner. Effective partnerships rely on a team approach
and with this alignment we have formed a collaborative
and cohesive relationship with our major stakeholders.
Our thoughts go to the Mayer family on the untimely
death of water polo stalwart Fred Mayer. In his memory,
the family has established the Fred Mayer Foundation,
which saw the contribution of $10,000 to AWPI to be used
to assist development of water polo. This is an ongoing
donation. The first recipient of this assistance will be
announced at the next Hall of Fame Dinner. Further, the
NWPL men’s trophy was named after Fred. Our thanks
to Sam and Robbie Mayer for their wonderful gesture.
This year AWPI reviewed the senior high performance
programs, which resulted in the formation of the High
Performance Committee, which provides the framework,
including direction, management and support to the high
performance programs for both head coaches.
In line with our review of the sport, AWPI has
undertaken an independent, external review of its
operations and structure. While these can be timeconsuming,
it is no different in importance to ensuring a
new-house build has good foundations.
When the outcome of this review has been released
the changes that eventuate will ensure not only the
financial health of our sport but equally of importance,
good governance.
Our ultimate goal is to provide an enduring framework
and pathway that any aspiring athlete will be given an
opportunity to fulfill his or her dream of representing the
country. While taking into account the high-performance
needs, we must not forget or overlook the cultivation
of the grassroots of the sport. This is essential in our
ongoing development. I was fortunate to witness the
numbers participating in the14 & Under National Club
Championships held in Brisbane in April. I look forward
to working with our State partners in creating a robust
and sustainable development plan that encourages
participation.
Taking into account the popularity of our web site, this
year saw AWPI become a trailblazer in the technology
of web broadcasting. We have formed an alliance with
rivusTV, which allows for games from the National
League or internationals to be streamed live worldwide,
and I believe holds much future potential for us.
Acknowledgements
In closing, I thank the Board of AWPI and the President,
Peter Kerr, for their continued support. Also, the Athletes’
Commission for its valuable input and the staff of AWPI
for their endeavours and hard work throughout the past
year.
Chris Harrison
Chief Executive Officer
➤ High Performance Manager’s
Report
The organisation and management of the High
Performance Program was overseen by a High