Queensland Government Commitment to 2008 Beijing Olympics
Published Friday, 30 November, 2007 at 07:32 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Sport Minister Judy Spence has pledged the support of the Bligh Government to Queensland athletes preparing for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Attending a fundraising dinner with the Australian Chinese General Chamber of Business and the Queensland Olympic Council (QOC), Ms Spence said the state government is committed to ensuring the council and all our athletes have the best chance of success when they head to Beijing next year.
“The Beijing Olympics provide an opportunity to show off Queensland’s wealth of sporting talent to the world,” Ms Spence said.
“The Queensland Government is proud to support our elite athletes in reaching their Olympic dreams, and we are providing $350,000 to the Queensland Olympic Council in order to help them achieve the target set by Australian Olympic Committee, of raising $1.3 million dollars for the games.
“In addition, we have provided $500,000 leading up to the selection of the Olympic team, for our Queensland Academy of Sport athletes to prepare for the Olympic selection trials.”
Ms Spence said Queensland’s sporting stars are destined to achieve great results at the Beijing Olympics, after a stellar year on the international circuit in 2007.
“This year has been a year of international breakthrough performances by our men’s and women’s national teams in soccer, swimming, gymnastics and hockey,” Ms Spence said.
“Our individual athletes have also set new world records, in sports including swimming and cycling.
“The incredible performances by Queensland athletes are a great indication of what can be achieved at the Beijing Olympics.
“Many of the Academy of Sport athletes are considered likely medal chances in Beijing in swimming, men’s and women’s hockey, softball, triathlon, cycling, rowing and water polo.
“Australia has a proud tradition of success at the Olympics, coming fourth in the medal count at the 2004 Games in Athens, with 17 gold, 16 silver and 16 bronze.
“33 per cent of those medals were won by Queensland athletes, which is a testament to the talents of our athletes and our successful training programs.
“I have no doubt 2008 will be another year of sporting triumph for Queensland athletes, and the people of this state will be behind them every step of the way.”
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell 0439 673 287
Attending a fundraising dinner with the Australian Chinese General Chamber of Business and the Queensland Olympic Council (QOC), Ms Spence said the state government is committed to ensuring the council and all our athletes have the best chance of success when they head to Beijing next year.
“The Beijing Olympics provide an opportunity to show off Queensland’s wealth of sporting talent to the world,” Ms Spence said.
“The Queensland Government is proud to support our elite athletes in reaching their Olympic dreams, and we are providing $350,000 to the Queensland Olympic Council in order to help them achieve the target set by Australian Olympic Committee, of raising $1.3 million dollars for the games.
“In addition, we have provided $500,000 leading up to the selection of the Olympic team, for our Queensland Academy of Sport athletes to prepare for the Olympic selection trials.”
Ms Spence said Queensland’s sporting stars are destined to achieve great results at the Beijing Olympics, after a stellar year on the international circuit in 2007.
“This year has been a year of international breakthrough performances by our men’s and women’s national teams in soccer, swimming, gymnastics and hockey,” Ms Spence said.
“Our individual athletes have also set new world records, in sports including swimming and cycling.
“The incredible performances by Queensland athletes are a great indication of what can be achieved at the Beijing Olympics.
“Many of the Academy of Sport athletes are considered likely medal chances in Beijing in swimming, men’s and women’s hockey, softball, triathlon, cycling, rowing and water polo.
“Australia has a proud tradition of success at the Olympics, coming fourth in the medal count at the 2004 Games in Athens, with 17 gold, 16 silver and 16 bronze.
“33 per cent of those medals were won by Queensland athletes, which is a testament to the talents of our athletes and our successful training programs.
“I have no doubt 2008 will be another year of sporting triumph for Queensland athletes, and the people of this state will be behind them every step of the way.”
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell 0439 673 287