After completing 26 years as the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) Director, Wes Battams has announced his retirement effective in early December 2023.

“The time is right for me to retire and pass the baton on,” Battams said.

“SASI’s future is extremely exciting with the new SASI Headquarters and the Australian Centre for Sports Aerodynamics (ACSA) due for completion and full operations in the Mile End precinct in 2024.

“This coupled with the ‘green and gold runway’ to the Brisbane 2032 Games makes it an opportune time for a new leader and direction.”

For more than two decades, Wes has led the SASI team to continually build on its foundations of striving for achievement and excellence.

He’s also been at the helm of SASI for a number of significant milestones that have impacted Australian high-performance sport in various ways.

From the challenges of a major restructure under the 2011 National Winning Edge Policy initiative and a global pandemic/postponed Tokyo Games, to the highs of the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, establishing Centre of Excellence partnerships with NSOs, and securing funding for the new SASI HQ and ACSA.

Wes leaves behind an incredible legacy that has set up SASI for success for many years to come.

“It has been an absolute privilege to lead SASI and a huge honour to work every day with such a talented, hardworking and passionate team,” Battams said.

“The outstanding achievements and reputation of our SASI athletes, programs and staff is hard won, well deserved and testament to them all.

“My sincere thanks to all the SASI staff and athletes, current and past who have made SASI what it is.

“Thanks also to the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing staff as well as the National Institute Network Directors and SASI’s network of high-performance sport colleagues and program partners.”

SASI will commence a recruitment process for its new Director in the coming weeks.