ASC to invest $385mn across 70 sports in huge boost for future Olympics and Paralympics
Australia’s hopes of success at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics have been boosted by a record $385m in funding from the Australian Sports Commission.
The nation’s Winter Olympians preparing for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games will also be aided by the ASC’s “Win Well and Play Well” investment in 70 sports.
“Our record $385m investment in high performance sport over the next 18 months, which includes a doubling of investment in Para sport, will enable our athletes to win well on the road to Los Angeles while also encouraging more Australians to play sport,” federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells said.
“We are creating more opportunities for more athletes by increasing the number of sports we support from 54 to 68 summer Olympic and Paralympic programs.
“It’s important that our kids and community sporting champions experience the same level of opportunity and I welcome the Play Well funding goal to create a safe, fair and sustainable sport system that grows participation and nurtures tomorrow’s champions.”
Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman said the investment would also ensure Australia “put its best foot forward” at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.
“For a home Games to be successful, we need a successful Australian team and now is the time to lay the groundwork for that,” Chesterman said.
“We saw wonderful results in Paris with 18 gold, 19 silver and 16 bronze and a very successful Australian team led by Anna Meares.
“Our planning for LA is in full swing. It presents us with some interesting challenges in terms of the spread of sports and venues, and we have new sports making an appearance in Los Angeles.
“We have cricket, lacrosse, squash, baseball, softball and flag football all on the LA program. We are looking at a ream size well in excess of 500.
“Our sports are now well placed to build on the success of Paris with (Friday’s) funding announcement.”
Swimming great and ASC chief executive officer Kieren Perkins said: “The remaining eight years until Brisbane 2032 is our chance to unite and inspire Australia through sport.
“We will be supporting more Australians to enjoy their sport than ever before, from those in grassroots to our Olympians, Paralympians and Commonwealth Games athletes making us proud on the world stage.”
AOC chief executive Matt Carroll said the funding for existing sports and the new sports for the Los Angeles Games was “welcomed”.
“Sport has such an important role in ensuring Australia can tackle the physical and mental health challenges we face while building community cohesion and national pride,” Carroll said.
“With (Friday’s) announcement, both our member sports and the AOC can approach the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead with confidence.”
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