ORD MINNETT AUSSIE STINGERS & AUSSIE SHARKS RECEIVE FUNDING BOOST FOR PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES CAMPAIGN

The Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers and Aussie Sharks welcome today’s news from the Australian Government that both teams will receive funding from the Australian Government’s Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Fund.

The funding is designed to significantly enhance the medal potential and improve the performance of our Australian athletes in the lead up to the Paris 2024 Games. 

Ahead of the 1 Year to Go milestone for the Paris Games, the funding boost is welcome news for both the men’s and women’s teams with the intention to support the increased cost and operational expenses for the Olympic Games campaign including participating in international competitions and training camps.     

Water Polo Australia CEO, Richard McInnes, said the funding has come at the right time as Australia prepares to enter its final 12 months of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games campaign. 

“A sport like water polo relies on international competition and with Australia based so far from the epicentre of water polo, Europe, we need to be travelling to top tier competition so that our teams are ready, come Paris. 

“This additional funding for our high performance programs means we can ensure we are giving our teams the best possible chance to succeed at next year’s Games, including being able to travel to international competitions and bring our squads together for vital training camps. 

“We would like to thank the Australian Government, in creating the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Fund and recognising the great work already achieved by our Olympic sports through the Australian High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy,” he said. 

With just over 12 months until the Games, Minister 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 medallists.

“I’m proud the Albanese Government can assist our hard working athletes to live their Olympic dreams.

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 through a total investment pool of $15.223 million.

Mr 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.”

AOC President Ian Chesterman the news will be a huge relief for athletes and their sports who have to travel considerable distances to events around the world to qualify for the Games amid escalating costs.

“We are enormously grateful for the Federal Government’s support of our sports and athletes as they look seek to qualify for Paris.

“Every Australian athlete who wants to represent our country in Paris has to travel to qualify. Travel costs are through the roof. So, this additional support from the Federal Government will help athletes pursue their dream of representing us all at the 2024 Olympics.

“We think an Australia with more Olympians is a better Australia. We know everyone on the team will inspire their clubs, their communities and our country. We now expect Australia again will have one of the five biggest teams next year.

“This new funding is vital. Paris is the first stop on the road to Brisbane and if we want home Games success that has to start now,” Mr Chesterman said.