Released 08/06/2024
With less than two months to go until the Paris Olympic Games, the ACT Government has announced funding to 34 local athletes to help with the costs associated with qualifying and preparing for the Games.
The 2024 ACT Olympic and Paralympic Training Assistance Athlete Support Program will provide $100,000 to athletes across a broad range of Olympic and Paralympic sports.
This funding will help the athletes meet the increased training, competition, equipment and travel expenses leading into the Paris Games.
All 34 athletes have been identified by their respective National Sporting Organisation as a prospective member of the 2024 Australian Olympic or Paralympic Teams, 3 have been officially selected to date.
“Preparing for the Olympic s and Paralympic Games is a huge task, and the ACT Government is proud to be able to support our athletes by making the road to Paris a little bit easier,” said Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry.
“Athletes across a broad spectrum of Olympic and Paralympic sports, including cycling, para-athletics, hockey, rowing, para-swimming, skateboarding and football will be supported through this funding program.
“With only two months to go until the Paris Olympics, it won’t be long until we will be able to watch our local heroes go for gold. I know all of Canberra will get behind the team.
“We wish athletes well with their final push towards qualification and preparation for the Games,” said Minister Berry.
The ACT has a proud history of supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes and was the first jurisdiction in Australia to deliver funding parity for the Olympic and Paralympic Teams.
The ACT Government has also made a contribution to the 2024 Australian Olympic Team Appeal of $100,000 and the 2024 Australian Paralympic Team Appeal of $100,000.
Sam Harding - ACTAS scholarship holder Sam Harding, is hoping to wear the green and gold at his 3rd Paralympic Games, previously selected in athletics for London and Tokyo he transitioned to paratriathlon ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games where he claimed silver in the PTVI (visioned impaired) event.
Vanessa Low – Para-athlete Vanessa Low will be competing in her 4th Paralympic Games in Paris in August. Vanessa is an ACTAS scholarship holder and won gold in the women’s long jump T42 at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 and was also World Champion at the Kobe Para Athletic World Championships.
Bronte Campbell - ACTAS scholarship holder and dual gold medal winner Bronte Campbell is working towards her 4th Olympic Games, the Australian Swimming Trials will be held 10-15 June in Brisbane.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases