As part of its sports diplomacy programme, the extension will continue to support Pacific athletes with high-performance training, elite competition, and travel, building on the success of Australia’s involvement in high-profile Pacific sports achievements at Paris 2024.
The programme will further raise regional awareness and deliver additional benefits to PacificAus Sports’ mission of enhancing Australia’s influence in the region.
Welcoming the extension, AOC CEO Matt Carroll emphasised the importance of long-term planning for athletes.
He stated that the extension acknowledged the need for athletes to plan training, access quality performance services, and participate in necessary competitions to qualify for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“Just as Brisbane 2032 is a home Games for Australians, it’s just as much a home Games for our Pacific athletes, and this extension of support will help Pacific athletes qualify for the major milestone events in the lead-up to 2032,” Mr Carroll said.
“The AOC will work with PA and CGA to create a comprehensive support programme in collaboration with Pacific sports, national Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth Games associations, the Oceania National Olympic Committee, Oceania Paralympic Committee, and the Commonwealth Games Federation.
“The PacificAus Sports programme reflects the deep and long-standing relationships between Australia and Pacific nations, aiming to support and develop both established and emerging athletes, as well as officials, and enhance Australia’s standing in the region,” he added. This commitment builds on the programme’s success ahead of the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
AOC President Ian Chesterman AM stated, said “Sport inspires athletes across the world to create connections; it has the power to underpin strong, positive dialogue between nations. The AOC, in partnership with Paralympics Australia and Commonwealth Games Australia, is proud to lead this important initiative of the Australian Government and assist our Oceania friends with meaningful and practical support,” he added.
Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh AM CSC said, “The Australian Paralympic movement has long valued the many relationships and great unity we have with our neighbours across Oceania. The respect we share for our many different cultures and traditions in and around sport makes us all stronger.
“Paralympics Australia welcomes the announcement of funding to support Paralympians and aspiring Para-athletes throughout the Pacific. We look forward to collaborating with the AOC, CGA, the Oceania Paralympic Committee, and its members to create impactful opportunities in the lead-up to a home Paralympic Games for the region in 2032,” she stated.
Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston remarked, “The Commonwealth Games are at the heart of the performance pathway for not only Australia’s athletes but those across the Oceania region. This funding will significantly contribute to their preparations, ensuring they can take to the field of play at their best.
“The longstanding commitment to sports funding across the Pacific by the Australian Government should be celebrated, and I welcome their continued investment and support of both able-bodied and para-athletes,” he concluded.
