Published Friday, 25 July, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
BLIGH DELIVERS BOOST FOR BEIJING-BOUND QLD ATHLETES
Queensland’s Olympic hopefuls are counting down the days to the Beijing Olympics and the Bligh Government today provided a much needed boost to their preparations.
Premier Anna Bligh and Sport Minister Judy Spence presented athletes with bonus grants of $5,400 during a farewell ceremony at Parliament House.
“Queenslanders can be very proud of the outstanding group of athletes who have been selected to represent our country at the pinnacle of international sport,” Ms Bligh said.
“It is a great honour to be selected to represent your country on the world stage and I know our athletes will be great ambassadors for Queensland.
“But competing at this elite level doesn’t come without cost – the athletes and their families make a lot of sacrifice to travel across the world for the Games, and the Queensland Government is proud to help them on their way.
“We will invest over $640,000 in assisting more than 100 Queensland athletes make the trip to Beijing – where I hope many will fulfil their dream of Olympic Gold,” she said.
Ms Bligh said Queensland athletes had dominated selections for both the Olympic and Paralympic teams, making up over 21 percent of the total team - with two Paralympic squads yet to be named.
“The 124 Queensland athletes already selected have shown great determination and commitment to reach this level in their individual sporting fields.
“I know Queenslanders – whether in Beijing or from their lounge rooms – will be behind our athletes next month, and I wish them the best of luck in their quest for Gold,” she said.
Ms Spence said: “The success of our athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic selections cements Queensland’s reputation as the great sporting state.
“At the Athens Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland athletes brought home 71 medals including 26 gold, 26 silver and 19 bronze. If these impressive results are anything to go by, we can expect great results from our athletes again this year.
“Queenslanders make up half of the Australian Olympic swimming team (23); are two spots shy of the entire Triathlon team (3); and we make up almost half of the softball (7); women’s water polo (5); and the flatwater canoe/kayak teams (5) – just to name a few.
“While the final Paralympic team is still being determined – the 28 Queenslander’s currently selected includes a mix of experienced competitors and talented debutants, competing in athletics, cycling, para-equestrian, power-lifting, sailing, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.
“Two of our Olympic debutants, Cate Campbell and Emily Seebohm, are the youngest competitors on the Australian Swimming team, at just 16 years of age.
“Both Cate and Emily have proven their worth on the international stage breaking Australian, Commonwealth and World records in their quest for gold, and I’m sure their success will continue in Beijing.
“Similarly, our longest serving Olympians and Paralympians continue to inspire us.
“Track and field athlete Darren Thrupp and cyclist Chris Scott, will both be competing in their sixth Paralympic Games in Beijing.
“Kayak specialist Clint Robinson is competing in his fifth Olympics this year, while softballer Tanya Harding and rower Duncan Free will both be making their fourth appearance for their country.
“Regardless of the final medal tally, I have no doubt all our athletes will make us proud to be Queenslanders, and we will be supporting them all the way.”
The bonus grants are administered by the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS).
“My Government is determined to ensure our athletes have all the support they need to reach their goals on the international stage,” Ms Bligh said.
“We have made the most substantial contribution to the Australian Olympic Committee’s fundraising efforts – contributing $350,000 for the Beijing Games.
“And we will continue to support our athletes – their sporting success sets a great example to all Queenslanders to get active and enjoy the benefits of physical activity.”
Friday, 25 July 2008
Media contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500 / Minister’s Office – 3239 6172
Premier Anna Bligh and Sport Minister Judy Spence presented athletes with bonus grants of $5,400 during a farewell ceremony at Parliament House.
“Queenslanders can be very proud of the outstanding group of athletes who have been selected to represent our country at the pinnacle of international sport,” Ms Bligh said.
“It is a great honour to be selected to represent your country on the world stage and I know our athletes will be great ambassadors for Queensland.
“But competing at this elite level doesn’t come without cost – the athletes and their families make a lot of sacrifice to travel across the world for the Games, and the Queensland Government is proud to help them on their way.
“We will invest over $640,000 in assisting more than 100 Queensland athletes make the trip to Beijing – where I hope many will fulfil their dream of Olympic Gold,” she said.
Ms Bligh said Queensland athletes had dominated selections for both the Olympic and Paralympic teams, making up over 21 percent of the total team - with two Paralympic squads yet to be named.
“The 124 Queensland athletes already selected have shown great determination and commitment to reach this level in their individual sporting fields.
“I know Queenslanders – whether in Beijing or from their lounge rooms – will be behind our athletes next month, and I wish them the best of luck in their quest for Gold,” she said.
Ms Spence said: “The success of our athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic selections cements Queensland’s reputation as the great sporting state.
“At the Athens Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland athletes brought home 71 medals including 26 gold, 26 silver and 19 bronze. If these impressive results are anything to go by, we can expect great results from our athletes again this year.
“Queenslanders make up half of the Australian Olympic swimming team (23); are two spots shy of the entire Triathlon team (3); and we make up almost half of the softball (7); women’s water polo (5); and the flatwater canoe/kayak teams (5) – just to name a few.
“While the final Paralympic team is still being determined – the 28 Queenslander’s currently selected includes a mix of experienced competitors and talented debutants, competing in athletics, cycling, para-equestrian, power-lifting, sailing, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.
“Two of our Olympic debutants, Cate Campbell and Emily Seebohm, are the youngest competitors on the Australian Swimming team, at just 16 years of age.
“Both Cate and Emily have proven their worth on the international stage breaking Australian, Commonwealth and World records in their quest for gold, and I’m sure their success will continue in Beijing.
“Similarly, our longest serving Olympians and Paralympians continue to inspire us.
“Track and field athlete Darren Thrupp and cyclist Chris Scott, will both be competing in their sixth Paralympic Games in Beijing.
“Kayak specialist Clint Robinson is competing in his fifth Olympics this year, while softballer Tanya Harding and rower Duncan Free will both be making their fourth appearance for their country.
“Regardless of the final medal tally, I have no doubt all our athletes will make us proud to be Queenslanders, and we will be supporting them all the way.”
The bonus grants are administered by the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS).
“My Government is determined to ensure our athletes have all the support they need to reach their goals on the international stage,” Ms Bligh said.
“We have made the most substantial contribution to the Australian Olympic Committee’s fundraising efforts – contributing $350,000 for the Beijing Games.
“And we will continue to support our athletes – their sporting success sets a great example to all Queenslanders to get active and enjoy the benefits of physical activity.”
Friday, 25 July 2008
Media contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500 / Minister’s Office – 3239 6172