Brisbane Launches Funding Program to Support Future Olympic and Paralympic Athletes
Brisbane City Council has announced a new program, "Brisbane Towards 32," to support athletes preparing for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The program starts with a $100,000 grant from the city, which will be matched by corporate donations through the Aussie Athlete Fund. This approach creates a pooled funding model to assist athletes.
At least 18 athletes from Brisbane will receive grants of up to $10,000 each. The funding is intended to cover costs related to training, competition, equipment, coaching, and travel. The program is open to athletes from all sporting disciplines, with a focus on preparing individuals to represent Australia in 2032 and in future games.
In addition to financial support, the initiative offers resources for professional development, such as networking and financial literacy training.
The Aussie Athlete Fund, led by Natalie Cook, is a national organization aimed at reducing financial barriers for athletes. According to data from the Australian Sports Foundation, nearly half of Australia's top athletes earn below the poverty line, impacting their ability to participate in international competition.
“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are not just an opportunity to build a better Brisbane, they’re also a chance to invest in our homegrown sporting talent,” says Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.
“The Brisbane Towards 32 program will take pressure off talented local athletes so they can focus on training hard competing at the highest level and chasing their dreams.”
The Brisbane Towards 32 program is part of the Schrinner Councils broader strategy for the city in connection with the 2032 Games. The announcement included statements from Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Natalie Cook, who both emphasized the programs role in supporting athletes and the city’s preparations for the upcoming international event.
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