SCHOOL SPORT WA

PO Box 8224, Perth Business Centre, WA 6849  ABN: 25 492 318 440  school.sport@det.wa.edu.au

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Sport History

SSWA HISTORY

School Sport WA Inc. (SSWA) is an association of teachers whose purpose is to promote, organise and coordinate sporting opportunities for all Western Australian students.  Events are offered at domestic, interstate and international level and cater for the range of abilities and experience of participants. 

SSWA is a member body of School Sport Australia (formally known as the Australian School Sports Council - ASSC).

The Association had its beginnings around 1909 and has evolved into a major organisation that is widely recognised as the leading sports provider for school age children.

Since its inception the Association has operated under various titles including:

  • State Schools Amateur Athletics Association (1909 – 1920)
  • Metropolitan State School Sports Association (1921 – 1938)
  • Western Australian State School Sports Association (1939 – 1973)
  • WA Government School Sports Association (1974 – 1988)
  • School Sport WA (1989 - )

Through the early developmental years sporting events conducted were along traditional lines with football, swimming and athletics forming the main focus. Over the years various sports were added to provide a more rounded program.

SSWA has participated in every Pacific School Games (PSG). The games is an international event involving the sports of diving, swimming, track and field plus other sports as determined by the host city.  The PSG began in 1982 (Brisbane) with further Games held 1984 (Melbourne), 1988 (Sydney), 1992 (Darwin), 1996 (Perth), 2000 (Sydney), 2005 (Melbourne) and 2008 (Canberra).

In 1986 the Association began the transformation from a body generally managed by Principals into the strong agency it is today.  SSWA is the major player in the presentation of healthy physical activities through sport. 

Currently the SSWA program offers 19 primary and 27 secondary school sports in 120 events that engage over 75 000 students and 4500 teachers.  At interstate Championships and Exchanges SSWA nominates for 21 secondary and 6 primary sports and involves 600 students and 100 officials.