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Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) has announced the release of a $13 million funding package, aimed at preparing Australian athletes for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The total 2019-2022 funding includes $2 million in direct athlete support for the final 18 months leading into the 2022 Commonwealth Games, with $11 million in other funding initiatives, which CGA believes will contribute to its aspiration of being the number one nation in Birmingham.

Advising that the funding is vital for sport and athlete success at the 2022 Commonwealth Games,

CGA Chief Executive, Craig Phillips stated “between 1996 and 2018, CGA has provided in excess of $43 million to its members and athletes.

“The funding comes entirely from income from investments held in the Australian Commonwealth Games Foundation, sponsorship rights sales and fundraising activities and has been boosted by legacies of hosting home Games in Melbourne and now the Gold Coast.

“The funding is designed to complement rather than replace or replicate any other sources of funding such as via Sport Australia or the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport).”

Commonwealth Games Australia has indicated the initial grants program consists of $4.155 million in project funding for the 18 sports set to take place at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Further funds have been set aside to support any additional sports which may be added to the Birmingham 2022 program by the Commonwealth Games Federation.

In addition, $25,000 has been set aside for 2019 and 2020 Kurt Fearnley Scholarships in conjunction with the Carbine Club of NSW.

Phillips said this funding will go to the athletes and sports in need of assistance to help achieve Australia’s goal of topping the leader board in 2022 following a successful 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

He added “in some sports where Olympic related funding is minimal, this funding provides a lifeline for their athletes and the sport.

“Our 2016-2022 strategy is ‘Building Team Success’ and this funding will help our sports and athletes in these crucial two years before the final lead into Birmingham where our goal is to be the No.1 nation in both gold and overall medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games,” Mr Phillips said.

The funding is targeted at able body and para-sport athletes, with a focus on supporting the ‘pre-elite’ and ‘next generation’ athletes who have their sights set on the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Image: Australian Gold medal winners at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Courtesy of Commonwealth Games Australia.

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