Shooting Australia has welcomed an additional $200,000 in funding from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) for its High Performance Program and activities.
The one-off funding boost is in addition to Shooting maintaining its current level of Government investment for the 2020-21 financial year.
Shooting Australia CEO, Luke van Kempen, said the confirmation of funding provides the sport with stability and some additional opportunities, leading into the postponed Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games next year.
“We are one of the few sports to complete team selections for the Tokyo Olympics, and our prospective Olympians now have the security of knowing they have a full 12 months to prepare for the Games with a full suite of resources behind them. Shooting Australia is incredibly grateful for the support received by the AIS and recognise the efforts of Federal Sports Minister, Senator Richard Colbeck, who has heard the call from sports and has committed funding for the next two years.
“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on athletes across all sports including Shooting, and we are pleased to have received some additional resources to support athlete wellbeing and engagement. This will ensure that our Olympic and Paralympic athletes are ready to perform – physically and mentally – at next year’s Games,” he added.
Mr van Kempen said an increase in funding for Shooting’s Paralympic program would help Australian athletes to secure two more quota positions for the Tokyo 2020 Games, and also build towards the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
“Australian Shooting has a terrific record of Paralympic success, and we will be exploring all available opportunities to increase our team size and enhance potential medal-winning performances in Tokyo next year. At the same time, this additional investment will enable us to start the hunt for our next generation of Paralympic athletes in Shooting,” he added.
Shooting Australia High Performance Director, Adam Sachs, said the funding announcement was great news for the sport.
“With this commitment from the AIS, our Tokyo-bound athletes and coaches can stay focused on leaving no stone unturned as they progress their preparation for next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.
“And for the rest of Shooting’s High Performance community, this confirmation of investment means that we can get a head start on our program development and implementation for the next four-year Olympic cycle, which we believe will give us a competitive advantage in Paris in 2024,” said Mr Sachs.
Further information, Greg Campbell, PRISM Strategic Communications, Ph: 0418 239 139.