New support for Pacific Olympians and Paralympians ahead of the 2024 Paris Games

The 2024 Olympics begin in Paris on Sunday, 28 July, and the Paralympics, just over a month later. As the start of competition approaches, athletes around the world are entering the intense final phases of preparation – among them, more than 250 athletes from 13 Pacific nations, proudly supported by the Australian Government, through PacificAus Sports, in partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee and Oceania National Olympic Committee.

“The International Olympic Committee is delighted to learn of the continued support for Pacific Island nations via the Australian Government,” said James MacLeod, Olympics 365 Director, and Director of National Olympic Committees Relations, Olympic Solidarity. “This will assist these smaller nations with qualifying, competing and performing at the Paris Games, and is a true model for continental solidarity.”

Male and female athletes from around the Pacific will be part of the support program which covers 15 sports including athletics, swimming, boxing, weightlifting and Rugby 7s. 

One of those benefiting from the initiative is long jumper Rellie Kaputin from Papua New Guinea. Rellie was also a recipient of Australian Government support in the lead up to the delayed 2020 Olympics, held in Tokyo in 2021. 

“The funding from Australia made a huge difference to me in my ability to be able to prepare for the Games as well as my competition at Games time,” she said. “I’m very grateful to again have that level of support as I prepare to represent not only Papua New Guinea, but my region at the Paris 2024 Olympics.” 
 

The support provided to Pacific Olympians and Paralympians not only enables the athletes involved to perform at their very best, it gives families, fans and communities the opportunity to see their heroes shine. 

“Sport unifies nations and is vital to creating community spirit,” said the Minister for Sport, the Hon Anika Wells MP. “This funding will foster enduring memories for the athletes and their passionate supporters throughout the Pacific. I can’t wait to see the talent of the Pacific region displayed on the world stage in Paris.”

The AOC is pleased to have been able to work alongside colleagues at the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) to help get Pacific athletes ready for this year’s competition, according to CEO Matt Carroll. It’s a sentiment shared by ONOC President, Dr Robin Mitchell.

“We’re excited again to work with the Australian Government to support our athletes through their final preparations on their journey to the Games,” he said.

The support for Pacific Olympians and Paralympians is part of a broader program of assistance for elite-level teams and athletes across the region, delivered by PacificAus Sports.

“Australia and the Pacific share a deep and enduring love of sport,” said the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP. “The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the Australian Olympic Committee to support so many talented athletes from across the Pacific to realise their Olympic and Paralympic dreams, and to further bolster our strong bond with the Pacific region.”