Minister for Sport Mark Arbib today wished Australia's Winter Youth Olympic team success as they compete in the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria.

Senator Arbib said more than 1,000 athletes from 67 nations would compete for 372 medals in winter sports including biathlon, bobsleigh, ice hockey, luge, skating and skiing.

“Australia has sent a strong team to Austria and we wish them all the best in their pursuit for Youth Winter Olympic gold,” Senator Arbib said.

“Over the next nine days our athletes will compete against the world’s best winter sport athletes.

“The Winter Youth Games represents a great opportunity for athletes aged 14 to 18 to gain valuable experience and showcase their talents to a global audience.

“The experience in Innsbruck will accelerate our athletes’ pathways to future senior teams and increase their chances of one day representing Australia at the Winter Olympics.”

Senator Arbib said Winter Olympic gold and bronze medallist Alisa Camplin OAM would lead the Australian team as the Team Chef de Mission. 

“Australian athletes have won medals at the past five Winter Olympic Games and the Winter Youth Games will provide a unique opportunity for young Australians to compete in a major multi event competition, guided by one of our best winter athletes,” Senator Arbib said.

“The Australian Government is a strong supporter of Winter Sports, contributing more than $2.7 million in annual High Performance funding to the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia, Ski and Snowboard Australia and Ice Racing Australia.”

Media Contact: Sean Sammon 0417 137 419