Federal Sport Minister, Senator Kate Lundy, today began the Australian Government’s 100 day countdown to the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Senator Lundy said millions of Australians will tune in to watch the opening ceremony of the London Games in 100 days to support our Australian team as they strive for Olympic glory over the course of the Games.

‘To make the Olympic team and represent Australia on the international stage requires commitment, determination and tenacity, but it also requires the support of the community, world-class training facilities and targeted assistance,’ said Senator Lundy.

‘While the 100-day milestone marks the final leg in the countdown to the Olympics, the Australian Government understands that preparation and training for the Games is a marathon not a sprint.

‘To support our athletes in the lead up to the London Games we have invested approximately $4.5 million in the Green and Gold Project to support the training and preparation of our elite sportspeople.

‘The Government is proud of our efforts to deliver the necessary targeted support to help our sportspeople in London continue Australia’s proud record of excellence in Olympic and Paralympic sport.”

Senator Lundy said funding for sport in Australia is at record levels with $170 million invested each year in high performance sport. In addition to the Green and Gold funding, in 2011-12 over $100 million was provided to national sporting organisations and athletes for sports on the Olympic and Paralympic program, with over $7 million of this money going directly to more than 500 athletes aiming for success in London.

‘This funding has been delivered to support our athletes and help give Australia a competitive edge at the Games as we vie for a top five position in the country gold medal tally,’ said Senator Lundy. 

‘We know that the Games will be a tough contest with many countries well-placed to perform strongly in London, however I’m confident that our athletes can pull off something special and continue our strong tradition of Olympic achievement.’

Senator Lundy said Australia had a reputation for delivering strong Olympic performances and the Government was proud to be supporting our athletes as they endeavour to bring home gold and represent our country abroad.  

The Olympics will commence on July 27 with the opening ceremony and parade of athletes.