AOC Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll says with the Federal Government and Australian Institute of Sport committing $28.6 million dollars over the next four years, our winter sports now have more certainty to plan for success.

“Certainty is the key. This is a very welcome announcement of funding that runs across the winter quad for the first time ever. 

“This provides the best possible opportunity for Australia’s athletes to strive for the success they had earlier this year – with a record four medals at the Beijing 2022 Winter Games.

“The success of the Australian Team in Beijing will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of winter athletes. Driving the virtuous circle of sport - participation, pathways and performance is an investment in Australia’s future.

“Excellence in high performance drives greater participation and with the right pathways, that participation will create the next generation of athletes representing Australia on the world stage.

“We know our high performing winter and summer athletes inspire people to have a go. That’s the power of sport. Importantly, that’s the great benefit that sport can make to the bigger picture of health and wellbeing in Australia.

“Sport has so much to contribute to solving issues around obesity, physical and mental health, so this investment by government needs to be viewed in that context.

“The certainty our winter sports now have ahead of the 2026 Games in Italy will go a long way to helping the sports to deliver their athletes dreams and inspiring the next generation”, Mr Carroll concluded.