More support for SA to chase LA Olympic and Paralympic Dreams

The Malinauskas Government is making a financial commitment to enhance South Australian athletes’ pathways to success at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The state will allocate AUD$1 million over four years to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Team Appeal as part of the 2025-26 State Budget.

Commenting on the financial commitment, CEO of Paralympics Australia, Cameron Murray, said: “This AUD$1 million investment exemplifies equality in action, recognising Paralympians and Olympians equally and setting a national standard for fairness and ambition as we strive towards Los Angeles 2028.”

South Australian Paralympic cyclist, Darren Hicks, added: “This funding will significantly uplift South Australian athletes’ ambitions as we target Los Angeles 2028.”

“Access to high-performance services will empower us to train, recover, and perform at our peak, not just in 2028 but in the lead-up to qualification.

“It’s not merely an investment in medals but in the future of Australian sport,” Hicks said.

Emphasising the state’s long-standing sporting heritage, treasurer, Stephen Mullighan, noted: “South Australia has a rich sporting heritage, and this funding will empower our athletes to represent Australia on the premier global stage.”

“A significant amount of work underpins our athletes’ preparation for the Olympics and Paralympics, and this budget investment will address essential expenses like travel and medical care,” Mullighan said.

This direct contribution makes South Australia the first state or territory to fund the LA28 Team Appeal, with resources evenly split between Olympic and Paralympic initiatives, underscoring a commitment to opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

This investment highlights a proactive business strategy to develop elite athletic talent and secure future sporting legacies.

The collaborative approach between government and sporting bodies demonstrates a robust model for national athletic development and international competitive readiness.

In addition, this vital funding, which covers the four-year cycle leading to the Games, will support elite athletes with essential services such as travel, medical care, nutrition, and sports science upon their arrival in Los Angeles.

This strategic investment is critical for maximising athlete performance and represents a significant enhancement to the state’s existing annual allocation of AUD$5.1 million through the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI), which focuses on high-performance athlete development.

Industry officials commend the upgraded SASI as world-class, providing South Australian athletes with top-tier training and support.

Looking beyond LA28, the Government plans to establish a 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Legacy Committee.

This cross-government body will focus on positioning South Australia as a premier international hub for pre-Games training, further building on the state’s proud sporting legacy and attracting future sports business opportunities.

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