The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) announced their investment of up to AUD 3.5 million (approximately $2.5 million) in the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC). The contribution is in the form of a loan of up to AUD 2.5 million, with an AUD million directed specifically towards the Australian Paralympic Team’s Rio 2016 campaign.
The investment will contribute to the financial stability for the APC, business growth opportunities and also assist the para-athletes in their quest to compete for gold in Rio. Says APC President Glenn Tasker of the monetary investment, “I would like to take the opportunity to express our thanks to the Australian Sports Commission for the financial assistance and organisational support they have provided. This gives us the ability to continue to fully focus on our preparations for Rio and raise the remaining funds to deliver a successful Australian team.”
Also announced this week was the appointment of four new directors to the APC Board. John Hartigan, former News Limited Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Rosie King, General Manager, People and Culture at Geelong Australian Football League (AFL) club; Jock O’Callaghan, Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC); and Helen Nott, National Manager of New Markets at Insurance Australia Group have all joined the organization.
Tasker says of the newly appointed members, ““Our new Directors and our new CEO bring with them skills and views which will only strengthen the organisation. Together with our existing directors and their wealth of experience, I believe we have the ingredients to drive our movement forward.”
Awesome news! USA Swimming should follow Swimming Australia’s example!