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Australia's Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games preparations will receive a government funding boost in excess of $50 million.
Australia's peak Olympic and Paralympic organisations have welcomed a $54.5 million high performance funding boost announced by the federal government.
It's a positive response to a recent joint submission by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), Paralympics Australia (PA) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) outlining a three-point plan for assistance amid the coronavirus pandemic.
With $50.6m allocated over two years, the funding injection which will assist in covering costs for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games next year through to the Beijing Winter Games and Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022.
AOC President John Coates said the funding injection would allow sports to secure the employment of high performance staff and support services, ensuring competitive Australian teams for the Games ahead.
"This has been a period of great uncertainty and anguish for athletes," he said.
"What this does is address the other part of the problem for our athletes and their sports by ensuring that they can leave no stone unturned in pursuing the best possible preparation.
"There are a lot of relieved athletes and sports administrators out there today."
PA President Jock O'Callaghan said he was pleased that the government had continued to support high performance sport.
"This investment will enable our aspiring Paralympians to keep striving for Tokyo, Beijing and Birmingham with confidence and assurance," he said.
Australian Sports Commission chairman John Wylie said the additional investment is a huge boost for Australia's high performance system.
"This is fantastic news for those athletes and coaches who have just returned to training and striving for success in the green and gold next year and beyond," Wylie said.
"Sport is a foundation of the Australian way of life and at the ASC, we are passionate about helping athletes - at all levels - be the best they can."
