Sports Minister Kate Ellis MP has welcomed the decision of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) to grant 10 sporting organisations grants, including a $1.7 million grant to Australian swimming programs.

The grant will support the AIS Swimming National Training Centre, assist with coach retention, support juniors and help offset travel costs from a devalued Australian dollar.

Cycling was another big winner with $890 000 being granted to support the AIS men’s track endurance team, the new women’s track endurance program, sprints development and women’s road athletes.

'These grants will help sports develop the next generation of Australian sporting champions in a range of sports,' Ms Ellis said.

The grants are part of $5.5 million of additional ASC grants being awarded, funded by a one-off surplus in ASC funds, to be invested in a range of sports.  

Ms Ellis said the unique surplus was a timely relief to sports during the economic downturn.

'The funding is a timely boost to sports to help assist them maintain international competition in light of difficult financial circumstances.

'Athletics, canoeing, netball, cycling, hockey, rowing, sailing, skiing and swimming will all receive support while the Arafura Games will also benefit.

'This extra funding follows the Australian Government investing an additional $12.6 million last year, extending support for high performance sport until June 2010.

'This $12.6 million investment includes $8.1 million for national sporting organisations to support and develop elite athletes and $4.5 million for Australian Government Sport Training Grants.'