Released 25/07/2017
With just over 50 days to go until the start of the Rio Olympic Games, and 89 days to go until the start of the Paralympic Games, the ACT Government has today pledged a significant $200,000 to Australia’s Paralympic and Olympic Teams.
The Australian Olympic Committee and the Australian Paralympic Committee will each receive a $100,000 donation from the ACT Government, which will be used to support the cost of preparing and delivering the Australian Teams for the Rio Games to give our athletes the best possible chance of success in Rio.
I am delighted, for the first time in ACT history, to provide equal donations to both the Olympic and Paralympic teams. $200,000 represents the most significant donation we have ever made to both our Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams, and we are hopeful this additional funding will put them in good stead to medal in Rio.
The Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry said that so far 18 athletes from the ACT have been selected for the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games, in sports ranging from athletics, hockey, cycling and BMX, with many more still chasing qualification.
“The ACT Government is a strong supporter of our local athletes, and earlier this year we announced that 30 local athletes would share in $80,000 from the ACT Olympic and Paralympic Training Grants program, to help with the costs of training, competition and equipment,” Minister Berry said.
“As an official Olympic and Paralympic Training Centre, the ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS) supports approximately 100 athletes through high performance squad programs and an individual athlete program.”
“I think it’s great that the ACT Government is supporting both the Olympic and Paralympic teams in such a way, and I wish all athletes the best of luck in Rio.”
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases