Modern Australian Magazine
Men's Weekly

.

Brisbane Road Accident Lawyers and Bus Accident Compensation

Navigating the aftermath of a road accident in Brisbane, especially one involving a bus, can be a daunting experience. Whether you’re a passenger...

Freezer Room Hire in Perth: The Ultimate Solution for Reliable Cold Storage

Ever found yourself in a cold storage crisis and wondering how to save your perishables before they go bad?   Well, this isn't something new. Pe...

Why Exterior Window Cleaning Is More Than Just Aesthetic

Most people see window cleaning as a finishing touch. Something you do before guests come over or when the smudges finally start to annoy you. It is...

How Duct Inspections Can Save You Money Long-Term

Ever noticed your energy bill creeping up without changing your habits? It is more common than you might think, especially in Melbourne homes where ...

Designing Secure Content APIs in Headless CMS Environments

APIs are what enable content to be delivered from a headless CMS to anywhere digital content can exist from websites and apps to IoT and more. Yet whi...

How to Choose the Right First Aid Kit for Your Workplace

Ever walked past your workplace first aid kit and wondered if that dusty box actually contains what you'd need in a real emergency? We know that fee...

The Role of Mining Equipment Suppliers in the Industry

Mining is one of the most essential industries, driving the global economy by providing raw materials for manufacturing, energy production, and infr...

From White Belt To Warrior: How To Train Your Body For BJJ Endurance

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is as much a mental chess match as it is a physical grind. Whether you’re new to the mats or prepping for high-level com...

Driving After Brain Injury: Common Challenges and How To Overcome Them.

Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can drastically influence a person's ability to drive safely. For many, driving represents independence, bu...

The Psychology of Stepping Up: Why We Avoid Helping—and How to Fix That

Most of us like to think of ourselves as kind, helpful people. We imagine that if someone needed assistance—especially in an emergency—we’d st...

Cross-Continental Collaboration: Nutifood and Viplus Dairy to Create Australian- Standard Premium Dairy Brand

Vietnam’s Nutifood has officially entered a strategic partnership with ViPlus Dairy, a heritage-rich dairy manufacturer with over 130 years of ex...

Commercial Plastering Can Boost Your Business Appeal

In business, appearances matter. The way your space looks sets the tone for how clients, customers, and even your staff perceive your brand. A well-...

Aussie Spirit comes out swinging in Olympic bid

  • Written by www.ausport.gov.au


Australia’s women’s softball team, the Aussie Spirit, will become semi-professional this year and base a squad in the United States as part of a plan to launch their Olympic comeback at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

 

Boosted by AIS funding targeting the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Softball Australia will supercharge its bid for Olympic qualification by relocating the Aussie Spirit squad to the US for three months to compete in the National Pro Fastpitch, widely regarded as one of the best competitions in the world.

 

The Aussie Spirit has a proud Olympic history, having claimed four consecutive Olympic medals before the sport was excluded from the Olympic program after the 2008 Beijing Games.

 

Softball returns to Olympic competition in Tokyo 2020 and Softball Australia CEO Chet Gray said the bold plan was about giving Australia’s female softballers the very best chance to compete and succeed at the highest level.

 

“This is a game-changer for Australian women’s softball,” Gray said. “The Aussie Spirit has a proven Olympic record and we’ve been waiting a long time for the chance to compete at the Games again, so we’re going to come out swinging and give this Olympic shot everything we’ve got.

 

“This plan exposes our players to consistent international standard training and competition that we realistically couldn’t achieve here in Australia. The squad of up to 20 players will train and compete together over a 50-game schedule in three months against some of the best players in the world. It will be an intensive training environment from May to July before the 2018 World Championship in August, which may also double as an Olympic qualifier.

 

“I thank the AIS and the Australian Government for their support, for believing in Softball Australia and investing in our players.”

 

The Australian Government announced a $10 million boost in high performance sport funding in late 2017 as part of a targeted drive towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. The funding, managed by the AIS, is being injected across 18 Olympic and Paralympic sporting disciplines, supporting hundreds of athletes.

 

AIS Director Peter Conde said the funding would be invested in areas of coaching, training environments, sport science, and competition. “Softball Australia has identified a unique opportunity which ticks all of those boxes for supporting a high performance sporting environment,” Conde said.

“It is also a wonderful opportunity to continue the momentum and progress of Australian women’s sport. The targeted $10 million in funding for Tokyo will also benefit Australian women’s teams in Rugby Sevens, Football and Water Polo.“

 

The Aussie Spirit players will be based at Missouri Western University and play “home” games at various stadiums in Missouri and surrounding states.

 

Aussie Spirit Head Coach Fabian Barlow is excited for the experience it will offer players.

 

“It’s a great opportunity for the players and for our program for 2018 and in the longer term,” Barlow said.

 

“It gives us some high-level competition and training in a professional environment, which will help us prepare for the World Championship. The standard of play is very high, with some of the best players in the world competing, so we couldn’t ask for a better preparation.”

 

In another boost for the Aussie Spirit, Softball Australia will host the 2018 Asia Pacific Cup at Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney, from February 1-4. The tournament will include six of the world’s top-12 ranked nation’s including world No.1 team Japan.

Holidays & Travel

Slowing Down in Nature: My Experience on Orchid Classic Cruise in Lan Ha Bay

Why Orchid Classic is a Top Choice for Lan Ha Bay Lan Ha Bay, a hidden gem adjacent to the more famous Ha Long Bay, offers travelers a quieter and more...

How to Reduce Turbo Lag with an Upgraded Mazda BT-50 Exhaust System

Are you struggling with turbo lag affecting your driving experience?  Did you know upgrading your Mazda BT-50 exhaust system could be the key to unlocking smoother acceleration and enhanced vehicle performance? Exhaust...

Surprise Party Ideas That Will Leave Your Guests Speechless

Throwing a surprise party is one of the most exciting ways to celebrate a special occasion. The thrill of keeping it a secret combined with the joy of watching the...

The Most Scenic Sailing Destinations in Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are home to some of the world’s most breathtaking sailing destinations. With vast coastlines, pristine waters, and diverse landscapes, these countries offer incredible opportunities for sailors...

A Guide to Finding Caravans for Sale for Your Australian Road Trip

From the rugged Outback to stunning coastal drives, there's no better way to explore Australia than in a home on wheels. If you're considering joining the caravan community, you're likely...

Must-Have Outdoor Gear for Your Next Trip

 Introduction Getting ready for your next outdoor adventure but not sure what gear makes the cut? Selecting quality equipment optimized for the conditions helps ensure fun and safety during backcountry trips...

5 Innovative Caravan Accessories to Enhance Your Travel Experience

Caravanning offers a unique and liberating way to explore the world around us. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, having the right accessories can significantly...

Conventional Tent or Roof Top Tent? Which Is Better for Camping in Australia?

For camping in Australia, it depends on factors like terrain and climate. A roof top tent is sturdy in rugged areas and elevates you above ground risks. In flat places like parks...

Choosing the Best Boat Seats: A Comprehensive Guide for Water Enthusiasts

Boat seats are not just about providing comfort during your time on the water; they can significantly impact your overall boating experience. Whether you're cruising leisurely, fishing, or engaging in...

Fashion & Beauty

The Best Nail Art for Short Nails

Short nails often get overlooked in the world of nail art, but they’re actually the perfect canvas for stylish, sophisticated designs. Whether you prefer bold patterns, minimalist details or soft...

Davines Sustainable Haircare: Revolutionizing Eco-Friendly Beauty Solutions

Davines is a well-known brand in the world of haircare, known for its high-quality products that deliver exceptional results. Its commitment to sustainability and unique haircare philosophy sets Davines apart...

High Visibility Work Shirts: A Must-Have for Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is a necessity. Workers from construction sites to manufacturing units should be visible for their well-being and they have it by wearing high visibility work shirts. Yes, when...

Polo Shirts: Wardrobe Essential for All

Polo shirts have started the journey as sportswear. But now, these are regarded as the best workwear. Also, people love to wear them for personal gatherings and more. These are...

Biz Collection Workwear: Premium Uniforms for Australian Professionals

In this modern era, the presentation of the team matters the most in the growth of companies. The professional appearance attracts clients’ attention and doing the deal becomes easy. The...

Functional and Fashionable: The Rise of Ladies Workwear in Australia

A perfect change in the Australian workforce has been happening in recent days. Women are contributing a lot in the male-dominated workplaces. They are doing excellent there. So, the Australian...