Queensland Government boosts Rio medal hopes

Australia’s medal hopes for the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games have been boosted with a donation of $450,000 from the Queensland Government to the Queensland Olympic Team Appeal.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who is patron of the appeal, said the Queensland Government was committed to nurturing the state’s sporting talent and welcomed the opportunity to support the Olympic Team.

Ms Palaszczuk confirmed the donation at a special function at Parliament House tonight.

Ms Palaszczuk said it was easy to see why Queenslanders loved the Olympics and were ready to get behind our athletes.

“So many of the greatest moments in Australian Olympic history involve Queenslanders,” she said.

“Who can forget moments like Kieran Perkins from Kenmore winning the 1500 metres freestyle from lane eight in Atlanta in 1996, or Cathy Freeman from Slade Point in Mackay carrying the hopes of an entire nation on her back to win the 400 metres in Sydney in 2000?

“Matthew Mitcham from Camp Hill produced the highest scoring dive in Olympic history in Beijing in 2008 and Anna Meares from Blackwater returned to the velodrome in London in 2012 after breaking her neck four years earlier.

“All of these Queenslanders won gold, all of them overcame incredible obstacles and all of them made us so proud.

“The Olympics is a unique opportunity for Queensland athletes to showcase their talents on the world stage and compete at the highest level.

“I wish all our Olympic hopefuls the best of luck with their training in the lead up to Rio next year.

“One thing we can be sure of is that Queenslanders will once again figure in some memorable Olympic moments.”

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