The WA Government has today announced it will deliver a $20.8 million funding boost over four years to support the WA Institute of Sport’s (WAIS) operations and athlete development in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
The funding increase to be provided from 2024-25 to 2027-28 is in addition to the WAIS annual base funding of $9.5 million.
Premier, Roger Cook says the investment will enable WAIS to provide better support to athletes striving for international sporting success, deliver a high level of athlete care and develop partnerships to enhance the State’s high performance sport system.
“Western Australian athletes have had an unbelievable Paris 2024 Olympic campaign, with stunning medal-winning performances across athletics, sailing, swimming, cycling, diving, surfing, rowing, tennis, basketball, water polo and boxing,” the Premier said.
“This major funding boost for WA’s peak athlete support organisation reflects my Government’s commitment to fostering sporting talent.
“The additional resources will provide a clear pathway for our athletes and future Olympians to thrive on the world stage, and ultimately give them the best chance of bringing gold home from Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032.”
The additional funding includes:
- a $9 million base funding increase for WAIS;
- $7.5 million for improvements to WAIS operations, governance, and athlete development and care programs; and
- $500,000 for refurbishments to the WAIS High Performance Service Centre to accommodate additional staffing.
“Congratulations to all of our WA athletes on their incredible performances at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and our best wishes go to our athletes preparing to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics,” said Culture and the Arts Minister, David Templeman.
“Their dedication and achievements will no doubt inspire the next generation of athletes.
“This additional funding will help WAIS to better support our current and future champions.”
WAIS Chair, Dr Neale Fong said 53 Western Australians had performed on the world stage at the Paris Olympics, and a further 20 will strive for success in the Paralympics shortly.
“WAIS is proud to support these athletes as a vital step on their path to representing Australia, and this funding from the Cook State Government is vital in ensuring that how we win is just as important as winning itself,” said Dr Fong.
“With the focus firmly on Paris at the moment, we are getting an insight into the ability of athletes to inspire a nation, which will only increase in magnitude at a home Games in Brisbane 2032.
“This investment enables WAIS to ensure we have strong foundations for future growth as we look to increase the number of athletes we support in preparing for Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”
