TTA Thanks Outgoing NSP Independent Chairperson Belgin Bennett

Belgin Bennett, the Independent Chairperson of the National Selection Panel, has announced her resignation after nearly four years of dedicated service in the role.

Belgin commenced in October 2018 and her tenure coincided with a rapid rise in performances internationally and an uplift in training and competition opportunities within Australia. Through her role, Belgin also served as a member of the TTA Hall of Fame Selection Panel.

Key highlights throughout Belgin’s tenure include, but are not limited to:

• Australia winning 132 medals (able-bodied) and 54 medals (para) at continental and international events.
• Achieving Australia's best ever results at the Tokyo Paralympic Games (2 gold medals, 4 silver medals).
• Qualifying maximum quota places and matching Australia's best ever results at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
• Multiple athletes reaching the top 10 in the world para rankings, top 10 in the world junior rankings and the top 100 in the world senior rankings.
• Supporting key athletes through the TTA Migration Support Policy.
• Expanding the National Rankings and initiating National Rankings for Veterans for the first time.
• 18 of Australia’s finest have been inducted into the TTA Hall of Fame, including inaugural inductees in the Veterans, Coaches, Administrators, and Referees & Umpires categories.

TTA CEO Scott Houston paid tribute to Bennett, “Belgin has done an outstanding job as Independent Chairperson of the National Selection Panel and her contribution is both recognised and appreciated. Being a selector is a difficult job and is often a thankless task, however it is no coincidence that Belgin’s tenure coincided with outstanding achievements from Australian athletes.

“There has been a clear focus on identifying those athletes who are fully committed to the cause and those who are capable of lifting Australia’s standard internationally. In both instances Belgin has been instrumental and she leaves the role with Australia in great shape.”

Reflecting on her tenure, Bennett commented “I was fortunate to join the National Selection Panel at a time of transition, with plenty of positive changes being implemented by TTA across the organisation. I am pleased that I have been able to be part of it in a meaningful way and I wish all athletes and coaches well for the next phase.”

TTA will work through identifying Belgin’s replacement in the coming weeks and will utilise the provisions available under the National Selection Policy in the interim.

Thank you once again Belgin.