The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has thanked the NSW Government for a $750,000 donation to the Australian Olympic Team Appeal to assist Australian athletes achieve their dreams at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
AOC Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll says the donation announced by Premier Dominic Perrottet will provide invaluable assistance to members of the Australia Team in Paris.
“With the Australian Team likely to exceed 450 athletes, providing the best possible high performance environment for our Team is essential. Every athlete’s Olympic dream is important to us, so this donation from the NSW Government contributes directly to that.
“This money will go towards that environment with medical care, nutritional requirements, recovery, training and a raft of other specialist services to be provided on the ground in Paris. We expect the cost of sending this Team will be in the order of $25 million so the generosity of this contribution is most welcome.
“The Australian Olympic Team Appeal has always been wonderfully supported by the NSW Government, corporate and other supporters over many years and for that we are extremely grateful on behalf of all our Olympic athletes, including many from NSW.
“Right now, we have Australians training and competing around the globe – looking to earn qualification for the Paris Games and ultimately selection in the Australian Olympic Team.”
Mr Carroll says the donation to the Team Appeal comes on top of the NSW Government’s investment in the next generation of Olympic stars.
“Last month, the AOC joined with the NSW State Government in announcing an Australian first, with the seven NSW Sports High Schools officially becoming Australian Olympic Pathway Schools.
“The Olympic Pathway Schools program is aimed at boosting opportunities for talented NSW athletes to progress their sporting and academic careers. I expect these seven schools will produce many Olympians in the years ahead, and excitingly, many to compete in the Brisbane 2032 Games – a home Games.
“At the same time, the NSW Government also announced a $1.5 million extension of the successful Olympics Unleashed program across NSW schools, with Olympians giving young people important life lessons in decision making, goal setting and building personal resilience. Olympians will connect with more than 250,000 students over the next three years.
“For now though, Paris looms large with less than 18 months to go and again, our thanks to the NSW Government for their contribution to help our athletes represent Australia with pride,” Mr Carroll concluded.
