Australian Sailing supports additional athlete funding package
by Australian Sailing 26 Jul 2023 15:29 AEST
Australian Sailing © Australian Sailing
Australian Sailing has today announced its support for the Paris 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Preparation Fund delivered by the Federal Government.
The $20 million fund will assist athletes and their sports overcome significant cost increases associated with their travel, accommodation to qualifying events overseas.
"I would like to thank The Hon Anika Wells, the Federal Minister for Sport, and the Federal Government for their support of our athletes as they enter the crucial final twelve months of their Olympic preparation," said Australian Sailing President Alistair Murray AM.
"Global inflation and the cost of living have increased exponentially, which has had an impact on what the athletes can undertake between now and Paris. This additional funding goes a long way to ensuring they will have that ease of mind as they complete their Olympic preparation.
"We are incredibly grateful to Minister Wells and the Federal Government for this game-changing decision."
The majority of Olympic sailing quota spots are available through events taking place in Europe, meaning the Australian Sailing Team are compelled to travel internationally in order to qualify for the Games and thus feel the full effect of the increased costs association with that.
"Australia has a rich history of success in sailing at recent Olympic Games, and this funding will give them some peace of mind as they look to continue that tradition in Paris," said Australian Sailing CEO Ben Houston.
"That quest commences when the first Olympic quota spots become available at the Allianz Sailing World Championships in The Hague next month.
"This is fantastic news for our athletes and the wider team."
The Fund will be administered by the Australian Sports Commission.