Water Polo Australia applauds news from ASC of sweeping investment package for Australian sport

Our Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers will kick start the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle with an increase in high performance funding, thanks to today’s announcement from  Australian Sports Commission (ASC).

With the new High Performance Strategy set to be presented in the coming weeks, Water Polo Australia’s immediate focus will be on enhancing the baseline established during the Paris cycle.

Water Polo Australia CEO Tim Welsford said: “We welcome today’s news of increased high performance funding for our Australian sports system.

“Off the back of some of our top results at the Paris Olympics, we’re proud to be receiving an increase in funding to support our Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers programs on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

“The funding increase will help us to ensure that both of our national teams are provided with the best opportunity to perform, and Win Well when it matters.

“We are starting from a strong position after strong performances in Paris and we are looking forward to today’s funding announcement that will assist us to finalise our high performance operational plans.”

Minister for Sport, the Hon Anika Wells said: “This is a record funding package for Australian sport, so they can take full advantage of the generational opportunity between now and Brisbane 2032.

“Our record $385 million 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.

“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 Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said: “The remaining eight years until Brisbane 2032 is our chance to unite and inspire Australia through sport.

“The Play Well and Win Well funding announced today lays the foundation to do just that. 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.

“I would like to thank the Australian Government for their vision and ongoing support to allow all Australians to both play well and win well.”