Minister for Sport Mark Arbib today congratulated the Australian Olympic Committee and the Russian Olympic Committee on signing a Memorandum of Cooperation agreement.

The agreement was officially signed by Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates AC and Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander Zhukov, in his capacity as President of the Russian Olympic Committee.     

Senator Arbib attended the formal ceremony in Sydney and welcomed the benefits the new agreement would bring.

“The Government is pleased to see the Australian Olympic Committee forging this agreement with one of the world’s leading sporting nations,” Senator Arbib said.

“Russia has a strong record in Summer and Winter Olympics and this exchange of experience and knowledge and co-operation in athlete preparation, coaching and other specialist areas will no doubt be of great benefit to both countries.

“This agreement is particularly significant as the Russian city of Sochi will host the next Olympic Winter Games in 2014.”

Senator Arbib said it was hoped Australia’s athletes would train at the new venues being built for the 2014 Games.

The Russian team has also been invited to compete at the 2013 Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney.

“Under the agreement Australian and Russian teams and athletes will compete in bilateral and multilateral events being held in both countries,” Senator Arbib said.

Senator Arbib said the Australian Government was committed to supporting Australia’s Olympic and Paralympic teams.

“In January we announced an additional $3.85 million for the Green and Gold Project to support our elite athletes in the lead up to London 2012,” Senator Arbib said.

“This followed the Government’s announcement last year of $23 million per annum in additional high performance funding to national sporting organisations, bringing the total Australian Government investment in high performance funding directly to sports and athletes to $90 million in 2011-12.”

Media Contact: Sean Sammon 0417 137 419