Community
22 December, 2025
Sports administrator calls it quits on long and distinguished career
Wollondilly Shire Council has paid tribute to the retiring CEO of the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) and the South West Sydney Academy of Sport (SWSAS).
Wollondilly Shire Council has paid tribute to the retiring CEO of the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) and the South West Sydney Academy of Sport (SWSAS).
Mr Gerry Knights retired earlier this month.
“After almost two decades with the organisation, Gerry’s retirement represents a significant change for the SWSAS and for the many young athletes across the region - particularly those from the Wollondilly Shire whose journeys he has helped shape,” Wollondilly mayor Matt Gould said at last week’s meeting.
“As CEO, Gerry oversaw a period of significant growth for SWSAS, guiding the organisation to support thousands of talented young athletes across a wide range of sports.
“His leadership ensured that athletes from South West Sydney and beyond had access to elite coaching, education programs and clear pathways to state and national representation.”
Cr Gould said Mr Knights’ contribution to community sport had extended “well beyond” his time with SWSAS.
Prior to his CEO role, he dedicated more than 20 years to Campbelltown City Council as Manager of Healthy Lifestyles, championing major community health, recreation and participation initiatives.
His expertise and influence also reached the state level through his service as Deputy Chairperson of Regional Academies of Sport (NSW) Inc, where he played a pivotal role in strategic planning and governance across the network of 11 academies.
In 2023, Mr Knights was recognised with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 25 years’ of service to athlete development and community sport.
“Gerry’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable career, but his legacy will live on through the programs, opportunities and partnerships he helped build,” Cr Gould said.
“On behalf of Wollondilly Shire Council, we extend our sincere thanks to Gerry Knights for his leadership, advocacy and enduring commitment to our young athletes and sporting community, and we wish him every success in his retirement.
Cr Jacqueline Jenson described Mr Knights as “truly inspiring”.
“Sometimes in life you need to cross paths with people and that’s very much how I feel about Gerry,” she said.
Cr Jenson said Mr Knights had played a “pivotal role” in supporting more than 5000 talented young athletes across a range of disciplines.
“For Gerry it was never just about sporting talent.
“He believed in developing the whole athlete, fostering a strong work ethic not just in training but also in leadership, media skills, nutrition and also instilling a deep sense of community,” she said.
Cr Ally Dench described Mr Knights as a “gentleman” who made young people feel valued and treasured by the community.
She said Mr Knights had always had a soft spot for the Wollondilly.
“He will be missed but I’m sure he will be around,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Mathew Deeth described Mr Knights as a “rare diamond”.
He said Mr Knights’ legacy was something that would be seen many years down the track – hopefully with local athletes taking the podium at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
The Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) and South West Sydney Academy of Sport (SWSAS) issued a recent statement saying Mr Knights had been a “highly respected leader in sports administration” with a career spanning nearly four decades.
The statement said Mr Knights had been a “cornerstone” of athlete development in NSW and had guided the SWSAS through a period of significant growth, helping more than 500 young athletes across multiple sports along the way.
“Gerry is one of the true pioneers of athlete development in New South Wales,” the statement said.
“His vision and commitment have shaped the Regional Academies of Sport into what they are today - a network that provides world-class opportunities for young athletes to thrive.
“Gerry has always put people first, whether it’s athletes, coaches or staff and his ability to build strong partnerships across government and community sectors has been second to none.
“His legacy will be felt for decades to come and while we will miss his leadership, we know the foundations he has laid will continue to benefit thousands of athletes into the future.”
Mr Knights is a talented athlete himself.
As an accomplished Masters hockey player he has represented Australia internationally and NSW at national championships on numerous occasions.
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