Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and Sport Shear Australia Association Incorporated have announced they will progress shearing and wool handling competitions as recognised sports in Australia, as they are in other countries.
With funding from AWI, Sport Shear Australia will establish a secretariat which will work to get the professionalism of athletes in these iconic Australian professions recognised.
Peter Artridge, President of Sport Shear Australia said competition forms an important part of encouraging new people into the industry.
“Shearers and wool handlers are the back bone of the wool industry and an iconic symbol of Australia - yet most people would not realise that shearing/wool handling is also an international sport,” said Mr Artridge.
“Nor would they know that Australia has had several World Champions including the current Champion Shannon Warnest from South Australia. In Australia, we have a rich history of shearing and wool handling competitions spanning over 117 years.
“This funding will enable us to lift the status of shearing and wool handling competitions, and make people more aware of the opportunities to travel Australia and the world through careers in shearing and wool handling.”
AWI Program Manager Joe Sullivan said the main reason AWI has taken this step is to lift the profile of those working in the wool harvesting industry.
"The professionalism of athletes who compete at National,State and even local levels needs to be recognised and appreciated,” said Mr Sullivan.
“These competitions are brilliant spectator sports. The skill, enthusiasm and excitement of the event is something everyone should see.”
In the lead up to the world championships in Norway next year, the Australian Nationals will be held in Warrnambool on the 26th and 27th of October 2007. This will be a great event for competitors and spectators alike.
“Given the importance of competitions and the positive affect they have on encouraging new participants into the industry while also lifting the quality of the Australian wool clip, AWI has decided to support Sport Shear Australia,” said Mr Sullivan.
