Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has announced seed funding to establish a targeted Brisbane Towards 32 program, helping give Brisbane’s future Olympic and Paralympic sport stars a head start.
The initial $100,000 grant will be matched by corporate donations, creating a pooled funding model in partnership with the Aussie Athlete Fund.
The Brisbane Towards 32 program will provide grants of up to $10,000 to a minimum 18 high-performance Brisbane athletes to cover the rising costs of training, competition, equipment, coaching and travel.
Athletes from all sports are eligible to apply, with a focus on preparing young sporting stars to represent Australia at future Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The program also supports athletes with the skills they need to progress to a professional level, from networking to financial wellbeing.
Founded by five-time Olympian Natalie Cook, the Aussie Athlete Fund is a national initiative designed to keep talented athletes in the game by addressing the significant financial barriers associated with elite sport.
Australian Sports Foundation research shows almost half of Australia’s top athletes earn below the poverty line, making it increasingly difficult to self-fund the commitments required to compete internationally.
The Brisbane Towards 32 program forms part of the Schrinner Council’s broader commitment to create a lasting legacy before, during and after the Brisbane 2032 Games.
Brisbane athletes can find out more information about the Brisbane Towards 32 program by visiting aussieathletefund.com.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are not just an opportunity to build a better Brisbane, they’re also a chance to invest in our homegrown sporting talent.
“The Brisbane Towards 32 program will take pressure off talented local athletes so they can focus on training hard competing at the highest level and chasing their dreams.
“Brisbane produces world class sporting talent and we are proud to back the next generation as our city prepares to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“As 2032 gets closer this investment will inspire young people across our city and help deliver a strong sporting legacy for Brisbane.”
Quotes attributable to Olympian and Founder of the Aussie Athlete Fund Nat Cook OAM OLY:
“We are incredibly grateful to Brisbane City Council and the Lord Mayor for their generous contribution to the Aussie Athlete Fund, delivered through our Brisbane Towards 32 program.
“This support helps keep the dream of wearing the green and gold alive, easing the everyday costs of training, travel and competition so our athletes can focus on representing Australia and Brisbane with pride.”
Quotes attributable to CEO of Committee for Brisbane Jen Williams:
“With the 2032 Games focusing on community legacy projects – including a new Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane Arena and National Aquatic Centre – Brisbane is on track to host the best, most memorable Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“However, what we can’t forget is the athletes who must remain centre stage.
“As hosts of the kick-off event for the Great Aussie Athlete BBQ Movement, the Committee for Brisbane welcomes the Lord Mayor’s announcement today, which will go a long way to supporting our local athletes in reaching their goal of representing our nation.
“With the opportunity to compete at a home Games now squarely on the horizon, it is more important than ever to support our local athletes to focus on the goal ahead.”
