Skies to Mountains to Seas : Åwegust in the Southern Hemisphere… Blown Away!
August attracts interstate and international adaptive athletes to Sydney for Stage 6 of the Indoor Para Skydiving (IPS) World Series held at iFLY Downunder as part of the annual Australian Open Indoor Skydiving Championships (AOISC). Ådaptive Athlete Åcademy is again the proud event category sponsor of IPS at the AOISC, and proud host to these exceptional guests for two weeks of awe inspiring adventure, food, activities and experiences in the greater Sydney region. Ådaptive Athlete Åcademy’s 2026 Åwegust Åweventure is an active celebration of building community, capacity and cooperation.
ÅWEgust Etymology:
awe – derived from words in Old English and Old Norse that expressed ‘fear and dread, particularly toward a divine being’. The English meaning evolved into ‘dread mingled with veneration, reverential or respectful fear; and the attitude of a mind subdued to profound reverence in the presence of supreme authority, moral greatness or sublimity, or mysterious sacredness’.1
gust – Old Norse word, gustr, refers to a brief burst of wind, whereas the older gust refers to the sensation of taste as well as to a feeling of enthusiastic delight, comes ultimately from gustus, the Latin word for ‘taste’.
“We can find in awe, then, the eight wonders of life: moral beauty, collective effervescence, nature, music, visual design, spirituality and religion, life and death, and epiphany.”
Awe ~ Dacher Keltner
• 12 ÅWEgust 2026 • NSW Tourism Awards at Taronga Zoo
Adaptive Athlete Academy Managing Director and Founding Accreditation Ambassador with NSW Tourism Association, Chris Astill, joined by VIP guest Cyril Moré, attended An Evening at Taronga: Celebrating NSW’s Top Tour Guide by The NSW Tourism Association. The visiting international Indoor Para Skydiving World Series competitor and multisport Paralympian Cyril Moré joined the intimate, private, after-hours guided twilight tour of Taronga Zoo before taking in a spectacular Sydney city skyline sunset with canapés, panel discussion and industry networking at the N’Galawa Terrace before the 2026 awards ceremony. Congratulations to all finalists in the 2026 NSW Top Tour Guide Awards: Sydney Kayak Experience, Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council, Showtime Kayaking, Sydney by Kayak, Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats, and Stand-up Paddleboarding Shellharbour.
• 13 ÅWEgust 2026 • Indoor Para Skydiving (IPS) Tunnel Camp at iFLY with Doni Gales + VIP guests Kai Lee plus Kyra & Vera Poh
The regular fortnightly ÅAÅ Tunnel Camp with world champion body flight instructor Doni Gales became extra special in the lead up to the 2026 AOISC IPS competition at iFLY Downunder. Alongside our regular Australian athletes (Chris Astill, Tom Kennedy, Eddie Morgan and Heath Lehr) we were joined by international competitors from France, Germany and Israel (Cyril Moré, Paul-Loup De Coninck, Niko Johann), and VIP guest appearances and pro-tips from Team Singapore, including Kai Minejima-Lee, Vera Poh and Red Bull athlete Kyra Poh.
• 14 ÅWEgust 2026 • IPS Non-judged Flights & Qualifying Flight 1
Non-judged flights and the first qualifier round of the Indoor Para Skydiving (IPS) World Series Stage 6 (held in conjuction with the Australian Open Indoor Skydiving Championships (AOISC)) were presided over by FAI and FFP officials Jerome David and Eric Malloret, flown in from France, with assistance from recently certified local judge Charlise Gaudry. Charlise’s induction adds another IPS official to our pool of local resources able to officiate the first official para sport discipline recognised by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). Strong first rounds were flown by all competitors: Chris Astill, Tom Kennedy, Eddie Morgan, Heath Lehr, Cyril Moré, Paul-Loup De Coninck, Niko Johann, Deni Boyd, Siena Kingston, Amelia Davis, Greg Pinson, Limor Fayena. The competitors were kept safe by instructor, Mark Lea. Other achievements of day one include Heath Lehr taking out dynamic two-way intermediate with instructor, Jye Milwright.
• 14 ÅWEgust 2026 • Marcels Restaurant, Penrith Pullman
After day one of the AOISC, visting and local IPS athletes were treated to an outstanding tasting menu at Marcels Restaurant in the Pullman Penrith. The meal provided the opportunity for the athletes and their families to catch up, relax and fuel before the competition heated up on day two.
• 15 ÅWEgust 2026 • IPS Qualifing Flights 2-3, Semi-Finals & Finals
IPS qualifiers, semi-finals and finals were woven into the broader AOISC schedule alongside dynamic, formation, freestyle and body piloting events, streamed internationally and commentated by Matt Boag and Irish, with athlete interviews held at the Red Bull desk inside the Flight Club lounge. Notable achievements include; Niko Johann of Germany winning the international competition, Tom Kennedy, junior all-abilities ambassador at iFLY Downunder, taking out the Australian top spot, Paul-Loup De Coninck making a strong first showing in Australia and finishing second on the international podium, iFLY Downunder all abilities ambassador, Greg Pinson, finishing second on the Australian podium, Heath Lehr, last year’s Australian champion, taking out third on the Australian podium, IPS newcomers Eddie Morgan, Amelia Davis and Siena Kingston doing themselves proud and posting very respectable times in their first competition (with Eddie completing his first full course independently to great excitement!). Other achievements from day 2 of the AOISC include Tom Kennedy and Siena Kingston competing in junior freestyle. Tom is the first blind athlete to compete in freestyle, completing his routines to massive support from his home tunnel, and Siena’s tenacity, positivity and presence won her the junior shredder award.
• 15 ÅWEgust 2026 • Italian Kitchen
Day two of the Australian Open Indoor Skydiving Championships (AOISC) ended with a late-night dinner at Italian Kitchen, providing an opportunity for flyers to debrief the competition and congratulate our winners and first-time competitors alike
• 16 ÅWEgust 2026 • 4-Way Formation Skydiving – TEAM fÅwe-kward
On day three of the Australian Open Indoor Skydiving Championships (AOISC), Chris Astill, Jazz Dingley, Tom Kennedy and world-champion body flight instructor, Doni Gales, competed together as the only all-abilities team in 4-Way Blast Formation Skydiving event, “fÅwe-kward,”. The team competed without concessions in the largest division of the event, building on the work done by last year’s all-abilities team “Åwe-Force” to open up more competition and discipline opportunities for athletes with disabilities and mixed teams.
• 16 ÅWEgust 2026 • IPS & AOISC Awards & Dinner
The Australian Open Indoor Skydiving Championships (AOISC) and Indoor Para Skydiving (IPS) World Series Stage 6 concluded with an Awards Ceremony, Dinner, and Huckjam session celebrating the weekend’s competition highlights. Athletes, families, and VIP guests gathered to congratulate all competitors. FAI and FFP official Jeromé David presented the medals for the international IPS competitors, and Adaptive Athlete Academy Managing Director, Chris Astill, presented the medals for the Australian Podium.
• 17 ÅWEgust 2026 • Huckjam at iFLY with Jacob Logan
iFLY Downunder’s chief instructor, Jacob Logan, led a post-competition Huckjam at iFLY Downunder, where Indoor Para Skydiving (IPS) athletes came to fly together, share their experience, and progress their skills while having fun. This community-focused event strengthened connections among the IPS athletes, and provided time for the building of relationships and sharing of developed techniques and equipment. This collaborative element of the sport is highly unique and valuable, and has allowed for all athletes to progress upwards together, pushing the sport forward in record time. Attendees: Chris Astill, Tom Kennedy, Paul-Loup De Coninck, Cyril Moré, Niko Johann, Simone Neumuller (ÅAÅngel) and Jazz Dingley (ÅAÅngel).
• 17 ÅWEgust 2026 • Blue Mountains Pizza
With the conclusion of the competition, many Indoor Para Skydiving competitors headed home. Our international guests joining for the duration of ÅAÅdventure Week, Chris Astill (and family), Niko Johann, Cyril Moré (and family) and Paul-Loup De Coninck (and family) traveled to the Blue Mountains to explore some of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. First stop was at Katoomba for crocodile pizza, much to our visitor’s surprise.
• 17 ÅWEgust 2026 • Fairmont Resort: Ice-Skating, Swim, Spa, Sauna
Athletes enjoyed a well-deserved afternoon of rest at the Fairmont Resort, enjoying luxurious amenities including an ice rink, sauna, spa, and swimming pool. Athletes relaxed and rejuvenated through swimming, soaking, sauna sessions and modified curling practice.
• 17 ÅWEgust 2026 • Group dinner at Embers Restaurant
A group dinner at Embers Restaurant in Fairmont Resort provided a platform for reflection, relaxation, and community building among athletes and supporters.
• 18 ÅWEgust 2026 • Blue Mountains Climbing School – Adaptive Tyrolean
The Blue Mountains Climbing School (BMCS) team, led by instructors Hugh, Bridie, and Richie, guided Chris Astill (and family), Niko Johann, Cyril Moré (and family) and Paul-Loup De Coninck (and family) through a Tyrolean traverse. This activity was made accessible through innovative adaptation by BMCS and adaptive equipment, including the Exoquad, allowing all athletes to safely and successfully cross between cliff lines, abseil to the valley floor, and return to the top of the cliff. BMCS’s ongoing commitment to accessibility is expanding opportunities for athletes with disabilities to explore wilderness environments, with more accessible adventure and skill building opportunities in the works.
• 18 ÅWEgust 2026 • Blue Mountains Sauna
Athletes relaxed and recovered at the Blue Mountains Sauna, easing muscles and rejuvenating bodies to prepare for upcoming activities.
”I haven’t done this in 20 years… so good” ~ Greg
• 19 ÅWEgust 2026 • Whitewater Rafting – Penrith Whitewater Stadium
Whitewater rafting brought thrills and teamwork to the group as athletes Chris Astill, Niko Johann, Greg Pinson, Jazz Dingley (ÅAÅngel) and Stephen Blatchford (ÅAÅngel), Olivier Moré (Family Member) and Daphne Moré (family) navigated the rapids under the expert guidance of Penrith Whitewater Stadium’s skilled instructor, Tim. Athletes learned essential safety techniques, including how to assist teammates back into the raft, surfed standing waves, and made several runs down the Class Four rapids. Penrith Whitewater Stadium’s experienced team also tested out the Riverskate in the rapids, developing techniques and knowledge of the craft in preparation for teaching our adaptive athletes how to use the specifically adapted equipment to paddle independently through the rapids.
• 19 ÅWEgust 2026 • Hyperkarting
Athletes embraced competitive spirit at Hyperkarting with private go-kart races. Times increased with confidence, and athletes (Chris Astill, Greg Pinson, Niko Johann) and friends (Jazz Dingley, Holly Charalambous, Christian Charalambous, Olivier Moré and Daphne Moré), drove to win.
• 19 ÅWEgust 2026 • Stand Up (…or don’t) Comedy Fundraiser – The Comedy Store Sydney
ÅAÅ athletes Limor Fayena and Michael Lake made their stand-up comedy debut at The Comedy Store for our ‘Stand-Up… or Don’t’ Ådaptive Athlete Åcademy inaugural fundraiser, sharing the line-up with professional comedians. The evening was full of laughter and community support, with Mike and Limor’s stand out sets being the highlight of the event.
• 19 ÅWEgust 2026 • Australian Reptile Park
A visit to the Australian Reptile Park was mandatory to introduce visiting German athlete Niko Johann to a live crocodile for the first time.
• 19 ÅWEgust 2026 • Shitbox Shakedown – Rally School Hunter Valley
Athletes Niko Johann and Chris Astill headed to Rally School Hunter Valley for a Shitbox Shakedown, driving a one-of-a-kind hand-controlled manual vehicle on a challenging rally track. This activity, supported by Jason Giddins at Rally School Sydney, advances adaptive driving opportunities for athletes.
• 19 ÅWEgust 2026 • Oden at Tachinomi
Athletes Niko Johann and Chris Astill enjoyed Japanese food at Crows Nest institution, Tachinomi.
• 24 ÅWEgust 2026 • Wakesurfing Sydney Opera House & Sydney Harbour Bridge – Adrenalin Wake Club
Niko Johann, Chris Astill, and Jazz Dingley utilised a perfect weather window to go wakesurfing on Sydney Harbour with Adrenalin Wake Club, under chief instructor Andrii Krykunenko. First-timer Niko used the versatile Riverskate to surf framed by iconic landmarks including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The group also trialled adaptive sit-wake frames and knee boards, showcasing progressive adaptive water sports and increasing the list of adaptive equipment available to athletes wanting to embark into tow-sports.
”Most beautiful harbour in the world. Liquid gold… pure magic!” ~ Niko
• 25 ÅWEgust 2026 • Sunrise on Sydney Harbour with Sydney Kayak Experience
Adaptive athletes Chris Astill and Niko Johann joined ÅAÅngels Jazz Dingley and Stephen Blatchford to paddle on Sydney Harbour at sunrise with Sydney Kayak Experience, enjoying calm waters and a stunning sunrise. Athletes trialled Sydney Kayak Experience’s equipment modifications, and took to the harbour under the careful guidance of NSW Tourism’s Top Tour Guide finalist, Adrian Clayton.
“Bewilderment” “Wonder” “Respect” ~ Paddy Pallin audience on what awe means
• 25 ÅWEgust 2026 • Paddy Pallin Inspire Adventure Series: Chris Astill – Åwe & Rescue in Sea, Land & Skies
Ådaptive Athlete Åcademy (ÅAÅ) Managing Director, Chris Astill spoke on “Awe & Rescue in Sea, Land & Skies,” as part of the Paddy Pallin Inspire Series. Joining a lineup of accomplished adventurers, Chris outlined his rescues and discussed the psychological concept of Åwe and its role in the drive for adventure, mortality and self-determination. Chris and ÅAÅ (the beneficiary of the night’s proceeds), were met with enthusiastic support from an audience made up of friends, family and the adventure community.
• 27 ÅWEgust 2026 • The Cat Empire with Sydney Symphony Orchestra at Sydney Opera House
ÅWEventure week’s last evening began with dinner at Yakitori Yarrupi, attended by athletes Chris Astill, Niko Johann, Michael Lake and Limor Fayena. The outstanding food provided the perfect backdrop for Mike and Limor to reflect on their stand-up comedy debuts.
“You have changed my life with this concert. I reckon DRs should write it as prescription:)” ~ Limor
Athletes Chris Astill, Niko Johann and Limor Fayena were treated to an outstanding display of musicality from The Cat Empire performing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Gondwana Choirs at the Sydney Opera House — the perfect celebration to end a massive (two) ÅWEventure weeks.
- Awe – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awe ↩︎