It was a great pleasure for me and the Deputy Chair, Greg Hartung, to host the AIS Athlete Olympic and Paralympic farewell breakfast held at the AIS on Thursday 19 June. It was pleasing that the Prime Minister of Australia,  Kevin Rudd, Minister for Youth and Sport, Kate Ellis, the shadow Minister for Youth and Sport, Pat Farmer and the ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation, Andrew Barr, could join us to bid farewell to our athletes.

We were all pleased with the recognition of the role the Australian Sports Commission, and particularly the Australian Institute of Sport, plays in the preparation of athletes, and were impressed with the presentation and words of encouragement from AIS athletes Tarnee White and Hamish MacDonald.

The Olympics and Paralympics are significant events on the world sporting stage and are recognised by all Australians as a barometer of how Australia is performing internationally across a wide range of sports. The Australian Government provides significant funding support through the Commission to national sporting organisations; national sporting organisations for people with disability; the Commission’s national pathway support programs such as National Talent Identification and Development, Coach and Official Development, Australian Government Sport Training Grant; and the AIS.

The Government is by far the greatest ‘sponsor’ of Australian Olympic and Paralympic sports, and as we anticipate the athletes’ successful performances in Beijing, our sincere gratitude must go to the Prime Minister, Minister Ellis and the Government for this ongoing support.

To the athletes and coaches, congratulations on your achievements and on being selected in your respective teams, and best wishes for your Beijing experience. I am sure the athletes will have their coaches’ words of ‘it is not just about making the team, but winning in Beijing’ ringing in their ears.

To Commission staff and, in particular AIS staff, thank you for your continuing outstanding contribution to the success of the athletes and coaches. Interestingly, over 60 staff will be supporting our athletes in Beijing as part of the Olympic and Paralympic teams, and the Commission has been pleased to support the Australian Olympic Committee and Australian Paralympic Committee in this arrangement.

It is a uniting time for all of us involved in Australian sport and we look forward to the successes of our athletes, including their personal bests and medal-winning performances.

‘Bring it on’!