RIO: The Victorian Olympic Council (VOC) today announced it has received $575,000 in funding from the Victorian Government to support the athletes representing Australia at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
The VOC has committed to raise $2.2M towards the costs associated with the preparation of the 2016 Australian Olympic Team. The State Government contribution will assist in achieving this target and meeting the national target of $7.8 million. The remainder of the Victorian target will be raised at the Prime Minister’s Olympic Dinner to be held in June 2016.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, The Hon Damian Drum MP stated, “Our Victorian Olympians and Paralympians compete in the most prestigious and iconic sporting event in the world and their efforts instill pride as a nation and inspire our children to get involved and active through sport. The Coalition Government is proud to provide $775,000 that helps Australia field its best team on the world stage, promotes and encourages our nation's love of sport and physical activity, and adds to our rich Olympic heritage."
The Hon Damian Drum MP acknowledged the Victorian Governments funding of $575,000 to the 2016 Australian Olympic Team and $200,000 to the 2016 Australian Paralympic Team at the annual Olympians Club of Victoria Gala Dinner on November 21, 2014.
Olympic Gold Medallist and President of the VOC, Nicholas Green OAM stated, “Our Olympic history in Victoria is well documented and we are pleased that we continue to have a strong relationship with the Victorian Government. We are delighted with today’s announcement of their financial support which will assist our athletes in preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
”With seven gold, sixteen silver and twelve bronze medals, London was another great Olympic team performance for our country – finishing in the Top 10 for a 6th time in row. Of those medals, Victorian athletes accounted for eight silver and twelve bronze. Further to this, 29% of the 410 Australian Olympic Team members who competed in London were Victorian. The Rio 2016 Olympic Games will see a number of these athletes achieve their ultimate goals.
“On behalf of all the athletes striving to claim a place on the Australian Olympic Team in RIO a huge thank you to the Victorian Government. Many athletes put careers on hold and make enormous sacrifices chasing their Olympic dream and financial support like this is extremely helpful and very much appreciated by those athletes," said Australian Olympic Committee President, John Coates AC.
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