Minister for Sport & ASC announce new funding ahead of Paris 2024

Source: Minister for Sport and ASC.

Australia’s medal hopes at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been given a vital boost, with the Australian Government committing an extra $20 million to support athletes.

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Fund will assist national sporting organisations [including Equestrian Australia] travel to and compete at critical qualification events and deliver key high performance initiatives that will significantly enhance medal potential and improve the performance of Australian athletes in Paris.

With just over 12 months until the Games, Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, said the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Fund was a timely investment in our athletes.

“Our Olympic and Paralympic sports have been telling us that getting their athletes to key preparation and qualification events has been a challenge and we’ve listened,” Minister Wells said.

“Through the Australian Sports Commission, we’re proud to be able to invest further in our athletes that inspire millions of Australians when they represent us on the world stage.

“It is the ultimate honour to represent your country and now more Australians will have more chances to become Olympic and Paralympic medallists.”

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Fund will be delivered in two streams, with Stream One providing a direct one-off grant payment to 32 eligible sports [including Equestrian] through a total investment pool of $15.223 million.

ASC CEO Kieren Perkins said the Fund would enable sports to ensure the crucial final 12 months before the Games count.

“Our athletes make extraordinary sacrifices to be ready physically, mentally and emotionally to proudly represent Australia every four years on the world’s biggest sporting stage, the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mr Perkins said.

“Sport hasn’t been immune from the rising cost of living pressures we are all facing. I would like to thank the Australian Government and Minister Wells for acknowledging this and allowing the Australian Sports Commission to allocate extra funds to our Olympic and Paralympic sports.

“The majority of Australians believe our Olympians and Paralympians are the best role models, especially for kids, and a source of inspiration. I am proud to work with the Government to ensure our athletes have the best platform to achieve their best in Paris.”

Four-time Paralympian Madison De Rozario thanked both the Australian Government and Australian Sports Commission for their ongoing support.

“There is nothing like representing Australia at a Paralympic Games and to have been able to do it for so many years has been an absolute privilege,” De Rozario said.

“However, one of the best parts of it all isn’t what happens out on the road or the track, it’s the impact that it’s able to have on the community. It’s knowing that everything our Paralympic and Olympic teams are doing on a world stage is playing a part in creating healthier, happier communities full of opportunity both on and off the sporting field.

“Knowing our athletes have so much support to allow us to do it all again in Paris is incredible.”