Yesterday, I was very pleased to welcome the Morgan family, and in particular Wil, from my electorate to the Regional Academies of Sport Reception in Parliament House.

Wil was representing the Hunter Academy of Sport at the event, along with fellow athlete Maddison Mueller.

Aged 15, Wil has already made some outstanding sporting achievements in basketball including:

2019 NSW Country Tour Representative;

2019 Hunter Academy Basketball 'Athlete of the Year'; and

2018 NSW U/16 D-League Representative.

The Hunter Academy of Sport is one of eleven sport academies assisting talented junior athletes from regional areas of NSW.

The Regional Academies of Sport were established with three major objectives:

1.To identify regional talent;

2.To educate and develop youth in regional NSW; and

3.To provide sporting opportunities.

They also provide education in coaching, injury management and treatment, fitness testing and training, sport psychology, public speaking, ethics in sport, nutrition and personal development.

Many Hunter Academy of Sport athletes have gone on to represent their chosen sport at a national or state level.

I congratulate all the athletes who attended the event yesterday and also the dedicated staff whose passion for sport drives the academies success.