More than 230 able bodied and para-athletes from 13 countries will benefit from the program involving the Federal Government though PacificAus Sports, the AOC and Paralympics Australia.

AOC Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll says the path for Pacific athletes can be challenging and the AOC is delighted to help create the opportunity for these athletes to succeed.

“Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games can inspire athletes across the world to create connections, to build relationships and to craft a strong positive dialogue between nations,” Mr Carroll said.

“Our thanks to the Australian Government for involving the AOC in this important project to assist our Oceania colleagues.

“Paris will be a wonderful Games and a great opportunity for our Pacific neighbours to show the world what they can do,” Mr Carroll said.

Minister for International Development and the Pacific the Hon Pat Conroy MP says the program reinforces Australia’s strong connections with the Pacific region.

“The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the Australian Olympic Committee to support so many talented athletes from across the Pacific to realise their Olympic and Paralympic dreams. Our support for this program through PacificAus Sports will further bolster Australia’s already strong bond with the Pacific region, and we can’t wait to see the talent of the Pacific’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes displayed on the world stage in Paris.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Sport, the Hon Anika Wells MP:

“Sport unifies nations and is vital to creating community spirit. This funding will foster enduring memories for the athletes and their passionate supporters throughout the Pacific.

“I can’t wait to see the talent of the Pacific region displayed on the world stage in Paris.”

PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative developing pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions and access high performance coaching in Australia and internationally.

The AOC previously assisted athletes from the Oceania region prepare for and attend the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The AOC is a member of Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC).

Quotes attributable to Oceania National Olympic Committees President Dr Robin Mitchell:

“We’re excited again to work with the Australian Government to support our athletes through their final preparations on their Journey to the Games.”

Quotes attributable to Rellie Kaputin, Papua New Guinea Long Jumper:

“Leading into the Tokyo Olympic Games, the funding from Australia made a huge difference to me in my ability to be able to prepare for the Games as well as my competition at Games time. I’m very grateful to again have that level of support as I prepare to represent not only Papua New Guinea, but my region at the Paris 2024 Olympics,” she said.

Quotes attributable to International Olympic Committee CEO James MacLeod:

“The International Olympic Committee is delighted to learn of the continued support for Pacific Island nations via the Australian Government, through PacificAus Sports and the Australian Olympic Committee.

“This will assist these smaller nations with qualifying, competing and performing at the Paris Games, and is a true model for continental solidarity.”

Quotes attributable to Oceania Paralympic Committee President Paul Bird:

“This funding is vital to assist our Pacific Island Paralympians reach their goals and achieve their best in Paris. With this level of funding, we are hoping for the largest representation of Pacific Paralympic athletes and Nations at a Games – at least twice as many as Tokyo.”