The West Australian government is seeking a consultant to review culture and governance at the WA Institute of Sport (WAIS) in response to a report that found young gymnasts in a past WAIS program likely suffered abuse and harm.

Sport Integrity Australia conducted a review of the WAIS Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) Program after concerns were raised about the wellbeing of gymnasts in the program, which ran from 1984 to 2016.

Its report, released last June, found it was ‘reasonably likely’ that some gymnasts had suffered abuse and/or harm while participating in the program, including verbal and physical abuse, weight shaming and excessive training.

The WAIS has acknowledged there had been failings and apologised to those who experienced harm or abuse.

Comprehensive review

Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman says in response to the report, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) will launch a comprehensive review of practices at the WAIS.

The review will involve a wide range of stakeholders, including the WAIS Board, staff and current and former athletes, Mr Templeman said.

“This review of WAIS culture and governance will ensure we have the right conditions in place to properly support our elite athletes to achieve the success they strive for,” the minister said in a statement on Wednesday.

The WAIS was established by the state government in 1983 to support elite athletes in WA. The WAG Program was one of the WAIS foundation programs with full elite coaching at the institute.

Gymnasts earmarked as having potential for a high-level competitive career were invited to join the program, including some as young as five.

Parties interested in conducting the WAIS review are invited to make submissions via an open tender process. More information is available here.

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