Western Australia Government kicks in cash for athletes ahead of Paris Olympics
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook has announced $1.35 million in funding for its Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
The funding will be split evenly – $750,000 apiece between Olympic and Paralympic competitors.
All homegrown Western Australians who make the teams for Paris will receive $5,000 each for the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will be held from July 26-August 11 and August 28-September 8, respectively.
A further $333,250 is being given to the WA Institute of Sport for athlete qualification and performance optimisation initiatives involving athletes, coaches and support staff.
Premier Cook said the athletes are empowered to use the money as they see fit.
“The countdown is on to the Paris 2024 Games, and my Government is offering financial assistance to give Western Australian athletes the best chance of Olympic glory,” he explained.
“Our direct payments to athletes give them control over how they use the $5,000 to prepare for the Games and realise their dreams.”
The State Government announced that more than $1.3 million is available to help WA’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes go for gold! 🏅Direct payments of $5,000 is available for Aussie qualifiers to assist with costs associated with heading to France. ➡️https://t.co/3FNVV7BKtK pic.twitter.com/UAsvndfUHX
— DLGSC (@DeptLGSC) February 19, 2024
The WA Government’s move is in line with other states and territories, who have all pledged equal funding to Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Australian Paralympic Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin has applauded the Cook Government for its commitment to Para athletes.
“Delivering an Australian Team of some 170 athletes, along with coaches, team managers, carers, medical experts and Paralympics Australia operational staff is an enormous undertaking and there are, of course, substantial costs involved,” McLoughlin said.
“Providing our Paralympians equal support to our Olympic colleagues is proof of the WA Government’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, and belief in the power of sport to create meaningful change.”
Meanwhile, Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission and two-time Olympic gold medallist Anna Meares says the financial support will make a tangible difference.
“Our goal is to give Australian athletes the best opportunity to perform on their biggest day in Paris,” Meares affirmed.
“This means creating a high-performance environment for the Australian Olympic Team in Paris, finding those small one-percenters that can help make a difference, with the best medical care, recovery spaces, physiotherapy and other essential services.”
A total of 53 Olympic and 24 Paralympic athletes from Western Australia competed at Tokyo 2020.
