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he Australian Government and the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) have confirmed they are working in partnership with Pacific nations to help athletes better prepare for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The support is being provided as part of the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program, with Pacific teams and athletes given the opportunity to train and compete in qualification events.

The program will assist an estimated 150 Olympic and 20 Paralympic athletes from Pacific Island nations looking to secure their sport on their respective Olympics teams.

Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Marise Payne, said: “Sport provides a powerful linkage between countries in our region and it is important our talented sportspeople have the opportunity to compete at an elite level to do themselves and their nations proud.”

“The Australia-Pacific Olympic and Paralympic Partnership is helping to unlock the potential of a whole new generation of champions.

“I am also pleased to note the balanced representation of female and male athletes in this cohort,” Payne said.

AOC CEO, Matt Carroll, said: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games creates opportunity and inspiration for nations across the world.”

“This partnership is not just about backing high performance programs across the Pacific.

“It also sends a message of resilience to communities throughout the region,” Carroll said.

Oceania National Olympic Committees president, Dr. Robin Mitchell, also said the launch of the partnership will help prepare athletes to compete at a high level at the upcoming Games.

“We’re excited to be part of this historic effort, and to have the opportunity to work with the Australian Government to support our athletes through final preparations on their journey to the Games,” Dr. Mitchell said.