Au revoir to West Aussie athletes heading to Paris Games

Jul 4, 2024, 13:18 PM

With just weeks to go until the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, the Premier of Western Australia and Minister for Sport and Recreation have farewelled WA athletes travelling to France for the Games.

As well as wishing our athletes luck and encouraging community support and pride, the State Government has provided each West Aussie athlete, selected to represent Australia, a $5,000 grant to assist with costs associated with travel to compete on the world stage.

The $270,000 direct payment scheme is part of a broader State Government funding package of more than $1.3 million for WA athletes to attend the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This support has included:

  • $750,000 distributed to the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Team Appeal; split 50/50 between the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia; and
  • $333,000 via the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) for athlete qualification and performance optimisation initiatives involving athletes, coaches and support staff.

The 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in Paris, France, from 26 July to 11 August and 28 August to 8 September 2024, respectively.

More than 40 WA athletes have been selected for Team Australia including 6 WA hockey stars announced this week. Penny Squibb, Karri Somerville and travelling reserve Aleisha Power will join the Hockeyroos while Aran Zalewski, Jake Harvie and Tom Wickham will play for the Kookaburras.

Watching the Olympics and Paralympics LIVE provides opportunities to bring communities together either at designated public sites across the country, or during community and sporting club watch parties as Australians cheer on our athletes.

In Perth, Yagan Square Amphitheatre will be broadcasting live and free from 7am to midnight on all days of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with plenty of action and highlights.

Western Australian Institute of Sport, Chair Dr Neale Fong said:

"As the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics draw near, we are thrilled to see our Western Australian athletes embark on this incredible journey. The Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook and the Minister for Sport and Recreation David Templeman have extended their best wishes to our athletes, emphasising the significance of community support and pride. It's an inspiring time for all of us, and the collective spirit of Western Australia will undoubtedly be behind each athlete as they represent our Nation on the world stage.

"In addition to our heartfelt encouragement, the State Government has taken a tangible step to support our athletes by providing a $5000 grant to each West Aussie selected to compete. This financial assistance aims to alleviate the costs associated with travel and ensures our athletes can focus on their performance in Paris. We are immensely proud of our athletes dedication and are sure they will continue to make Western Australia and the entire country proud."