WATER POLO AUSTRALIA WELCOMES FEDERAL FUNDING BOOST FOR PARIS OLYMPICS

Water Polo Australia is among 26 sports that will benefit from today’s $5 million funding boost as the Australian Sports Commission’s second stream of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Fund is announced.

It’s part of a $20 million commitment from the Australian Government announced in July to significantly enhance medal potential and improve the performance of Australian athletes in Paris.

Water Polo Australia Acting CEO Tim Welsford said the added support from the Federal Government will support the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks and Stingers on their path to 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 additional staff resources and training camp opportunities.

“As part of this funding, our Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks will be receiving additional support in the nutrition space to ensure they are in the best shape possible to perform in Paris next year.

“Following on from the World Championships in Japan, our Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers identified some KPIs they want to improve on leading into the Games, and this funding will allow them to hold additional training camps to be able to do so.

“We would like to thank the Australian Government for their continued investment into high performance sport, as we continue to countdown to Paris 2024, as well as Brisbane 2032 and beyond,” he said.

Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, announced the successful recipients while in Paris less than a year out from the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“This is an important step on our path towards building the best sporting system in the world by Brisbane 2032,” Minister Wells said.

“This critical second stream of the Paris 2024 Preparation Fund sees dozens of projects brought to life including game-changing initiatives.

“For many sports, the Paris 2024 Preparation Fund unlocks the one-percenters and for others, it opens the door to new Olympic and Paralympic aspirations.

 “Underpinned by the Win Well pledge, it is about elevating the chances of Australians getting to the Paris starting line, achieving a personal best, or reaching the podium and, ultimately, delivering results that make Australia proud.”

Australian Sports Commission (ASC) CEO Kieren Perkins OAM expects the projects to have a significant impact.

“We are delighted to be able to support our sports and athletes with this targeted funding which is set to make a tangible difference to so many people,” Mr Perkins said.

“Our athletes have made extraordinary sacrifices to get to where they are, and hopefully this additional funding support will help take them to the next level.

“I’d like to once again thank the Australian Government and Minister Wells for allowing the Australian Sports Commission to work closely with our sports to ensure these extra funds gets to the Olympians and Paralympians who need it most as we enter the final stage of preparations before Paris.”