To signify the Two-Year Countdown to the 2008 Olympic Games to be held in Beijing, China, the 2008 Australian Olympic Team / WA Appeal was launched at a breakfast...
To signify the Two-Year Countdown to the 2008 Olympic Games to be held in
The WA Appeal aims to raise $600,000 over the next two years to contribute towards the $11.5 million cost for the preparation and participation of the Australian Team to the Games. This money will be raised through a series of special fundraising events including 2006’s major event, the WA Corporate Bowls Cup which will be held at the Dalkeith-Nedlands Bowls Club on Wednesday 18 October.
Peter Watson MLA, representing the Hon John Kobelke MLA, Minister for Sport Recreation, kicked off the Appeal with a $200,000 contribution from the State Government. Mr Watson presented the donation to rising Javelin star, Kimberley Mickle who spoke about the passion surrounding her Olympic Dream and how appreciative she was of the corporate support on show at the function.
In handing over the cheque, Mr Watson said that Australia was regarded as one of the world’s sporting powerhouses, with WA Team Members being large contributors to the success of Australia’s Olympic Team.
WA’s record contingent of 54 athletes made up over 11% of the 2004 Team and they contributed to over 20% of Australia’s medal tally of 17 Gold, 16 Silver and 16 Bronze.”
Minister John Kobelke said that the athletes are role models for many thousands of young West Australians, setting a standard in commitment and dedication that is not only a stimulus for sportsmen and women, but for people from every walk of life.
A special 'Good Luck' message was conveyed to the athletes aspiring to Beijing by WA’s Consul General for the Peoples Republic of China, Mr Li Shugang.
The Launch was attended by a host of corporate, community and Olympic Team supporters, Olympic Legends and several 2008 aspiring Olympians including: -
Deonne Bridger - ARCHERY
Dual Olympian, 1996 and 2004 Olympic Games
Daria Joura - GYMNASTICS
2006 Australian All Around Champion
Olivia Vivien - GYMNASTICS
2006 Australian Uneven Bars Champion
Emily Halliday - HOCKEY
2004 Olympian & 2006 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist
Kobie McGurk - HOCKEY
2006 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist
Natalie Bale - ROWING
2005 World Championship Silver Medallist, Women’s Pairs
Paul Burgess - ATHLETICS
Dual Olympian, Dual Commonwealth Games medallist and 1 of only 2 pole vaulters in the world to have cleared 6m in the past 2 years
Ellen Pettit - ATHLETICS
2006 Commonwealth Games rep & Australian High Jump Champion
Chris Troode - ATHLETICS
2006 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, 4x400m Men’s Relay
Kimberley Mickle - ATHLETICS
2006 Commonwealth Games rep & 6 x National Javelin Champion
Jamie Beadsworth - WATER POLO
2006 National Squad Member
James Stanton - WATER POLO
2004 Olympian & National Squad Member
Team Appeal Chairman, Mr
“Over 130 athletes have set the 2008 Olympic Games as their goal, and whilst we expect some 50 plus athletes will gain selection, the WA Olympic Council, the WA Institute of Sport and the State Sporting Associations will provide them with every opportunity to help them realise their Olympic Dream.”
Did you know?
Since 1912, 359 West Australians (281 Athletes and 78 Team Staff) have been selected in the Australian Olympic Team. WA has produced 27 Gold Medallists, 31 Silver Medallists and 29 Bronze Medallists from the Summer Games and 1 Winter Olympic Medallist.
2008 Australian Olympic Team
Early forecasts suggest the 2008 Australian Olympic Team will comprise approx 502 competitors as well as 270-290 support staff, making this the largest away team ever.
The WAOC anticipate the selection of over 50 West Australian athletes and over 20 West Australian support staff.
WA Appeal
For further information regarding the 2008 Australian Olympic Team WA Appeal or our fundraising activities in the lead up to the 2008 Olympic Games, please contact the WA Olympic Council on 9440 4211.
