Preparing for and coping with the unique challenges of training, being selected and excelling at an Olympic or Paralympic Games can be a test for even seasoned elite athletes.

To provide support, the Australian Government has allocated additional funding for counselling services to support athletes on their journey to and beyond the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This funding is on top of the ‘Green and Gold’ project, which has seen the Australian Government invest a further $3.85 million in Olympic and Paralympic sports in the lead-up to the Games.

This investment will provide all selected Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) shadow squad members with access to an extended network of psychological support.

Available services include career counselling such as transitional support, career planning and personal development, as well as psychological services to enhance performance and maximise psychological wellbeing.

The funding  will be administered by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) in partnership with the AOC and the APC and will complement and extend the support services already offered by the National Institute Network’s (NIN’s) Athlete Career and Education (ACE) and sport psychology personnel.

Athletes can gain access to the additional services by contacting their home institute or academy of sport psychologist, ACE consultant, or NSO-appointed team psychologist, who will identify areas of need and the most suitable support service consultant to address those needs.

For more information, a brochure detailing the available services and contacts in each state and territory is available from NSO coaches, team managers, ACE consultants, or NSO-appointed team psychologists.