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Aussie Funding In Good Shape

Apr 22, 2013  - Craig Lord

The Australian Sports Commission has allocated Aus$8m to elite swimming Down Under as part of its $120 million in state funding for sport under its  “Winning Edge” 2012-2022 programme.

The figures, announced today, Monday 22nd on the Australian clock, represents a modest cut in funding from the state but that drop coincides with backing of $10m from the Georgina Hope Swimmers Foundation. Somehow, Australia should manage. The figures are way beyond what is spent on elite swimming in much of the rest of the world, and while money may make the world go round, it doesn't buy gold medals, success on the biggest of occasions in a realm beyond bean-counting.

Swimming Australia welcomed the new funding initiatives and allocations for 2013-14, stating: 

Swimming will benefit from increases in Direct Athlete Support (DAS) for top level and emerging swimmers, an increase in funding to the Paralympic program, as well as an investment of more than $600,000 in participation funding for the period.

Coupled with last year’s announcement of the Georgina Hope Swimmers Foundation, which will see a minimum investment of $10million over the next four years aimed at supporting elite and targeted development swimmers, Swimming Australia’s high performance program is well placed to meet the ASC’s plan of moving from world class to world best - under Australia’s Winning Edge 2012-2022. 

Swimming Australia President Barclay Nettlefold said today’s funding announcements will further assist the organisation in enabling coaches and athletes to succeed on the world stage.

“Today’s announcement is another positive step for the sport, as we now start to really focus on our high performance structures and development programs,” said Nettlefold.

“Swimming is in a fortunate position that we are able to combine ASC funding with commercial revenue. Thanks to the ASC and our corporate partners, we believe we are in a strong position in which to drive the sport forward.”

“In addition to this, the partnership between the ASC and Australian Commonwealth Games Association to provide an increase in DAS for swimmers is a huge benefit to the athletes, and a clear reminder that Glasgow 2014 is not far away.”

“We have also been fortunate to receive an increase in funding for our extremely successful Paralympic program, and with a total of 37 medals in London, including 18 gold, they will continue to push for excellence in every area.”

The 2013 EnergyAustralia Swimming Championships (Apr 26 to May 3) will incorporate selection trials for the FINA World Championships and IPC World Championships to be held in Barcelona and Montreal later this year.