Queensland students aspiring to represent Australia at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a step closer to achieving their dream, with the first round of the $100 million Go for Gold schools fund now open for applications.
The fund will provide sporting equipment and infrastructure for schools, ensuring better services and opportunities for every part of the state.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said at least half of the money would be invested in regional Queensland.
"I want every girl and boy in Queensland, no matter where they live or where they come from, to dream about being part of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games," the Premier said.
"I am determined that, whether you live in Pormpuraaw, up in the Torres Strait, in Cairns, Weipa, Moranbah or anywhere else in the state, you should have access to facilities in order to fulfil your dream.
"This fund is open to all schools - big and small, city and outback, state and non-state - but we will prioritise schools in smaller regional and remote communities, and where the opportunities for fundraising are limited.
"We will also prioritise schools where the equipment and upgrades will benefit the wider community too."
Education Minister Grace Grace said the first round of funding would offer grants of up to $5,000 for sporting equipment.
"From athletics to basketball, sport climbing to skateboarding, grant applications to purchase all kinds of sports equipment are now open until 31 March 2023," Ms Grace said.
"It's a marathon not a sprint. This first round of the Go for Gold Fund is worth $7 million, but a second round for infrastructure upgrades will open next year.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the difference the program makes – giving our schools the right equipment and infrastructure, encouraging our children to be more active, and seeing them Go for Gold in 2032."
