It has been a big year in sports funding. Over the past year the Australian Government, through the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), has made record investments in sports, including $23 million in high performance and $11 million in participation funding, as well as over $7.5 million Direct Athlete Support grants. Now the ASC has renewed its commitment to sport in preparation for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The ASC has reallocated $2.5 million of its existing budget to provide extra funding and support to Australia’s top Olympic sports and athletes. This targeted funding injection, the Green and Gold project, for ten Olympic sports – including rowing, sailing and diving – will further increase Australia’s chances of success at the London 2012 Games.

AIS Director Peter Fricker acknowledged the collaborative consultation process that was undertaken with the Australian Olympic Committee in developing the Green and Gold project and allocating extra funds to our top Olympic sports.

‘We have targeted athletes from a range of sports for podium success, and believe by working with sports outside of AIS programs we will enhance prospects of success for Australia’s best athletes,’ Professor Fricker said.

Swimming is the largest beneficiary, receiving an extra $1 million for athlete and coaching support, along with cycling and rowing, which will each receive an additional $300 000 to boost preparations for their top athletes.