Santa Claus arrives Down Under

The reality of Christmas in mid-summer for Australians is hard for us to grasp at Scuttlebutt HQ, so it is with comfort that a massive present arrived in the thick of winter for the Aussie Nation:

Australian Sailing has announced its support for the Paris 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Preparation Fund delivered by the Federal Government.

The $20 million fund will assist athletes and their sports overcome significant cost increases associated with their travel, accommodation to qualifying events overseas.

“I would like to thank The Hon Anika Wells, the Federal Minister for Sport, and the Federal Government for their support of our athletes as they enter the crucial final twelve months of their Olympic preparation,” said Australian Sailing President Alistair Murray AM.

“Global inflation and the cost of living have increased exponentially, which has had an impact on what the athletes can undertake between now and Paris. This additional funding goes a long way to ensuring they will have that ease of mind as they complete their Olympic preparation.

“We are incredibly grateful to Minister Wells and the Federal Government for this game-changing decision.”

The majority of Olympic sailing quota spots internationally in order to qualify for the Games and thus feel the full effect of the increased costs association with that.

“Australia has a rich history of success in sailing at recent Olympic Games, and this funding will give them some peace of mind as they look to continue that tradition in Paris,” said Australian Sailing CEO Ben Houston.

“That quest commences when the first Olympic quota spots become available at the Allianz Sailing World Championships in The Hague next month. This is fantastic news for our athletes and the wider team.”

The Fund will be administered by the Australian Sports Commission.

Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Program:
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6
Mixed Two Person Dinghy – 470
Men’s Skiff – 49er
Women’s Skiff – 49erFx
Men’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Women’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Men’s Windsurfing – iQFoil
Women’s Windsurfing – iQFoil
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17

Venue: Marseille, France
Dates: July 26-August 11

Details: https://www.paris2024.org/en/the-olympic-games-paris-2024/