Stockwell appointed as new QAS chairperson: Fraser

18 May 2007

Stockwell appointed as new QAS chairperson: Fraser

Olympic swimming champion Tracy Stockwell has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) board.

Ms Stockwell, who won three gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and won 48 US titles during her career, presently serves on both the QAS and Queensland Events Corporation boards and is the immediate past president of Womensport Queensland.

With Ms Stockwell elevated to the chairperson position, the two vacant board positions will be filled by North Queensland Cowboys deputy chairman Paul Travis and Brisbane-based sports journalist David Lutteral.

Travis is a lecturer in Human Movements and Physical Education at James Cook University in Townsville and has extensive experience working with state, national and international sporting, educational and business organisations.

Lutteral, a popular morning radio presenter with Nova FM, is a former Queensland University of Technology journalism graduate with more than 10 years experience in covering local and elite sport – including the Sydney Olympics and World Athletics Championships.

Sport Minister Andrew Fraser said the new board appointments would put the QAS in a strong position following the recent announcement of former Queensland Bulls and West Indies cricket coach Bennett King as the organisation’s new Executive Director.

“The Queensland Academy of Sport plays a key role in identifying and fostering the development of talented athletes and coaches and it’s essential that new Executive Director Bennett King is supported by team with the required level of expertise to successfully lead the organisation,” Mr Fraser said.

“The appointment of Tracy Stockwell as chairperson, along with the input of the new appointees, Paul Travis and David Lutteral, will give the board an appropriate balance of skills and knowledge heading into the future.”

The existing members of the QAS board include deputy chairperson Daphne Pirie, Professor Joe Baker, Bruce Hatcher, John Maclean and Vicki Wilson.

The Queensland Academy of Sport was established to foster elite sporting talent and ensure that Queensland remained at the forefront of domestic and international sport.

The list of sporting stars that have progressed through the academy is impressive, including the likes of Kieren Perkins, Susie O’Neill and Grant Hackett.

It presently supports more than 600 elite athletes, representing 21 sports, through the provision of world-class sporting facilities, coaching, sports science and support services.

Ms Stockwell takes over from former chair Doug Ryan – who stepped down in February 2007 along with fellow board member Ian Brusasco – after chairing QAS from November 1989.

For more information on the Queensland Academy of Sport, visit http://www.qasport.qld.gov.au/index.cfm

Media contact: Chris Taylor 3227 8825