Premier Kristina Keneally today officially launched the Australian Olympic Team Appeal for the London 2012 Olympics pledging $500,000 from the NSW Government towards their team fund.

The NSW Government has contributed to the past three Olympiads in 2000, 2004, and 2008. The Australian Olympic Team fund is the official fundraising arm of the Australian Olympic Committee.

The Committee has a target to exceed $1.8 million for the 2012 Team Fund. Funds raised will go towards the preparation and participation of the Australian Olympic Team for London 2012.

Premier Kristina Keneally, Patron of the Australian Olympic Fundraising Committee – London 2012, today hosted a special reception to mark the ‘Two Years to Go’ milestone until the Opening Ceremony in London.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the successful Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

"I am delighted the NSW Government is able to launch the 2012 London team appeal with a contribution of $500,000,” Ms Keneally said.

“Sydney hosted one of the best Olympic Games ever held and showcased our uniquely Australian love of sport to the world.

“At the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing, Australia finished 5th on the overall medal tally and 6th on the gold medal tally.

“This is a significant achievement and is testament to our talented athletes and team officials.

“For more than a century, NSW as part of the Australian team has a proud history of competing at the Olympic Games.

“I wish all the NSW athletes training for London 2012 the very best of luck with their preparations.”

President of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), John Coates, welcomed the NSW Government support.

“The continued support of Premier Keneally and her Government is very much appreciated especially by our young athletes as they prepare to represent Australia at the Olympic Games in London in two years time,” Mr Coates said.

Of the 435 Olympians in the Beijing 2008 team, 104 were from NSW, representing 24 per cent of the total number of Australian Olympians.

28 NSW athletes won a medal in Beijing representing 22 per cent of all Australian medallists; that is better than many individual nations.

The London 2012 Team Appeal comes ahead of Sydney 2000 10th anniversary celebrations planned for mid-September.

NSW Govt and AOC