Media Statement
246 Vincent Street
LEEDERVILLE, Western Australia 6007
Tel: (08) 9492 9700 Fax: (08) 9492 9711
G O V E R N M E N T O F W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A
14 July 2009
Attention: Editor
Going in to bat for diamond sports
The Diamond Sports Academy was launched today by the Department of Sport and
Recreation (DSR).
This high performance program for baseball and softball comes in the wake of the withdrawal
of Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) funding. The funding was lost because both
baseball and softball are currently no longer Olympic sports.
The academy is a collaboration between DSR, Baseball WA, Softball WA and the Tee-ball
Association of WA. It will provide clear pathways for juniors as well as the sharing of support
services such as physiotherapy, psychology, medical, rehabilitation and strength and
conditioning.
“This is a great example of sports that might traditionally compete against each other coming
together to share resources and pursue common goals,” DSR Acting Director General
Graham Brimage said.
The program will be headed by Baseball WA and Softball WA general managers Geoff
Hooker and Craig Hamer-Mathew, and representatives from DSR, the Australian Baseball
Federation and Softball Australia.
Former international representatives Don Kyle (BWA) and Kere Johanson (SWA) have been
appointed as the high performance managers.
“Being able to secure this funding from DSR will mean that we can continue to achieve
success at the national and international level,” said Mr Hooker.
“This three year agreement gives us a solid foundation upon which to maintain and build the
already high standard of Western Australian softball,” said Mr Hamer- Mathew.
“We are all hoping that baseball and softball will be reinstated as Olympic sports for the 2016
games.”
ENDS
Media contact –
Charles Hayne
9492 9833 / 0434 071 753
charles.hayne@dsr.wa.gov.au
NEWS 
