AusCycling welcomes and thanks the Australian Sports Commission (ASC)'s announcement today of the Australian Government’s $513 million investment in sport, strengthening support for athletes to perform on the world stage on the road to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
Announced at Anna Meares Velodrome ahead of next month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the two-year package backs Olympians and Paralympians preparing for Los Angeles 2028 and the French Alps 2030 and ensures the right support is in place for the next six years leading into Brisbane 2032.
Historic funding for Para sport will also be maintained for a further two years with $54.9 million going towards better classification opportunities for Para athletes, access to fit-for-purpose training environments, and specialised coaching and performance support.
More than 150 new Para athletes were uncovered in the first 12 months of the Para Uplift with Para sport units also established in every state and territory.
The Minister for Sport The Hon Anika Wells was joined by Australia’s fastest athletes on land and water in Lachie Kennedy (athletics) and Cam McEvoy (swimming) as well as Hani Watson (Para Powerlifting), Korey Boddington (Para cycling), Izaac Kennedy (BMX racing), Liz Watson (netball), Cooper Woods (moguls) and many others in Brisbane for the announcement today.
The investment gives athletes, coaches and staff the opportunity to achieve their full potential by providing:
- high performance funding for 68 sport programs over the next two years;
- continuation of direct athlete support (dAIS) to help with daily living and training expenses;
- historic increase for Australia’s Winter Olympians and Paralympians with Curling Australia, Biathlon Australia, and Ice Racing Australia all receiving high performance funding for the first time;
- $102.8 million annual grant funding, free support services, and subsidised access to AIS facilities the ASC provides to national sporting organisations and high performance athletes.
ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the investment is a huge sign of confidence in Australian sport and the system’s united commitment to Win Well and deliver elite performances in exceptional environments.
“On behalf of the Australian sports system, I’d like to thank the Australian Government, particularly Sports Minister Anika Wells, for their continued investment and for backing our athletes who inspire our nation,” he said.
“No one backs our Aussie athletes like the Australian Government and this investment provides the platform for our athletes to perform at their best on the world stage.
“The united approach behind the Win Well Strategy has resulted in some extraordinary results on the world stage.
“As we build towards Brisbane 2032 and beyond, a collaborative approach will continue to deliver many magical moments that will make Australians proud.”
AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner said it was great to see the funding confirmed to support the performance runway to LA28, Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
"Our Australian Cycling Team is a shining example of success on the global stage thanks to the support of Australian Government funding," Fechner said.
"It's terrific to see that funding will continue and also be increased to help our tremendously talented athletes as they strive to win well.
"A sincere thank you to the Australian Government and Sports Minister Anika Wells for their unwavering support of Australian sport."
A total of 58 sporting organisations will receive Play Well funding to help create safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun sporting environments.