Queensland’s Olympic hopefuls have received a major boost on the road to the Tokyo 2020 Games, with the Queensland Government committing $600,000 to the Queensland Olympic Council fundraising appeal.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will launch the campaign to raise funds for the Australian Olympic Team Queensland Appeal Committee at Parliament House in Brisbane, with the target of $1.1 million for Queensland out of a total of $8 million nationally.
“As our athletes showed at the highly successful Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, they are a source of inspiration for all of us, and will be again on the Olympic stage,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The funds raised will go towards preparing, outfitting and sending our team to the Games.
“Competing at the highest level on the Olympic stage is perhaps the pinnacle of achievement for our elite able-bodied and para-athletes, so this fundraising appeal is a great way for Queenslanders to show their support and to get involved.
“My Government will also support Queensland athletes selected for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games with a $2700 grant each, subject to eligibility, and I look forward to hosting them at the Queensland Premier’s Athletes Farewell Dinner in one year’s time.”
Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said the Government was also working with the Queensland Olympic Council for Olympians to visit schools and communities, to share the Olympic, to promote healthy living and recreation, and to support the next generation of Olympians.
“This Olympics Unleashed program is run by the Australian Olympic Council in partnership with the Queensland Academy of Sport and Queensland Olympic Council, and in conjunction with the Department of Education,” Mr de Brenni said.
“The Palaszczuk Government has allocated annually $470,000 for two years towards the program, with Olympians visiting schools throughout Queensland including many remote communities in the Far North, North West and Central West.
“40,000 children from 250 Queensland schools have participated so far.
“Our Olympians inspire us to emulate their dedication, hard work and active lifestyle, and along with the Premier, I urge Queenslanders to support the Queensland Olympic appeal.”
Information on Queensland Olympic Council fundraising is at https://olympics.com.au/soc/qld/news
