The Australian Government, through PacificAus Sports, will partner with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) to support more than 250 athletes from 13 Pacific nations as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The supported athletes will compete across 15 sports including athletics, swimming, boxing, weightlifting and Rugby 7s. Australia's commitment to promoting greater inclusion of women and girls in sport at the highest levels remains in place with almost equal representation of both male and female athletes included in this support.
One of the athletes benefiting from the Australian Government's support ahead of the Paris Games is Papua New Guinea long jumper Rellie Kaputin.
Ms Kaputin made her Olympic debut in Tokyo and finished ahead of 9 other competitors despite entering the Games as the lowest ranked athlete in the long jump event.
Quotes attributable to Rellie Kaputin, Papua New Guinea long jumper:
"Leading into the Tokyo Olympic Games, the funding from Australia made a huge difference to me in my ability to be able to prepare for the Games as well as my competition at Games time. I'm very grateful to again have that level of support as I prepare to represent not only Papua New Guinea, but my region at the Paris 2024 Olympics."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
"Australia and the Pacific share a deep and enduring love of sport. The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the Australian Olympic Committee to support so many talented athletes from across the Pacific to realise their Olympic and Paralympic dreams, and to further bolster our strong bond with the Pacific region."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Sport, the Hon Anika Wells MP:
"Sport unifies nations and is vital to creating community spirit. This funding will foster enduring memories for the athletes and their passionate supporters throughout the Pacific.
"I can't wait to see the talent of the Pacific region displayed on the world stage in Paris."
Quotes attributable to AOC CEO Matt Carroll:
"Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games can inspire athletes across the world to create connection, to build relationships and to craft a strong positive dialogue between nations.
"Our thanks to the Australian Government for involving the AOC in this important project to assist our Oceania colleagues.
"Paris will be a wonderful Games and a great opportunity for our Pacific neighbours to show the world what they can do."
Quotes attributable to Oceania National Olympic Committee President Dr Robin Mitchell:
"We're excited again to work with the Australian Government to support our athletes through their final preparations on their Journey to the Games."
Quotes attributable to Oceania Paralympic Committee President Paul Bird:
"This funding is vital to assist our Pacific Island Paralympians reach their goals and achieve their best in Paris. With this level of funding, we are hoping for the largest representation of Pacific Paralympic athletes and Nations at a Games - at least twice as many as Tokyo."
Quotes attributable to International Olympic Committee CEO James MacLeod:
"The International Olympic Committee is delighted to learn of the continued support for Pacific Island nations via the Australian Government, through PacificAus Sports and the Australian Olympic Committee.
"This will assist these smaller nations with qualifying, competing and performing at the Paris Games, and is a true model for continental solidarity."
