Australian athletes set to go from Green2Gold2Great

Australian athletics is set to receive an enormous boost, thanks to Commonwealth Games Australia's Green2Gold2Great funding program.

The Green2Gold2Great  program seeks to support bespoke activities that would not be funded within the existing programs available to sports, and is designed to help achieve Australia's aspirations of being the number one nation at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games next year.

Sports on the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games program will receive $3.4 million, with athletics receiving more than $250,000 in this round of funding, to support targeted javelin, long jump, pole vault, relay and walks projects, as well as training camps in the lead up to July 2022.

This is the second round of funding received by Athletics Australia, with the first round supporting a number of programs which allowed for high performance camps to take place throughout this year. 

Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips said despite the interruptions caused by COVID-19, the first round of funding already reaped rewards for sports and athletes and this second round will specifically target final preparations for the Games.

"The funding is designed to complement rather than replace or replicate any other source of funding such as via Sport Australia or the AIS," Phillips said.

"This investment in our sports and athletes is something Commonwealth Games Australia is very proud of, and we look forward to working with our Member sports to tell the stories of our athletes in the final countdown to next year's Games."

Athletics Australia CEO Peter Bromley said CGA’s commitment to athletics was second to none, and the extra support has been greatly appreciated by athletes and the community alike.

“Our partnership with Commonwealth Games Australia is a valued one, and time and time again, they have demonstrated they are committed to assisting our athletes set new standards at an international level. Many of our athletes achieved significant milestones last year, and their investment into our High Performance program means our athletes and sport can continue to flourish for years to come,” Bromley said.

In addition to the longevity of the partnership, the funding has had a direct impact on the performance goals of our athletes, says Athletics Australia General Manager – High Performance, Andrew Faichney.

“Commonwealth Games Australia is an important partner of our High Performance Program and one that has provided value to our athletes and their goals over the last year. We’ve seen athletes reach new heights in the lead up to the Olympics, thanks to their added support, and I have no doubts we’ll see some of these benefits yet again from our javelin throwers, pole vaulters, long jumpers, relay athletes and walkers ahead of Birmingham 2022.”

Australia topped the medal tally on the Gold Coast with 198 medals, with the Australian Athletics Team contributinga total of 36 medals.

Commonwealth Games Australia is planning to send its largest team to compete in an away campaign, with a contingent of more than 70 able-bodied and Para-athletes set to wear the green and gold.

The Birmgham 2022 Commonwealth Games will take place from 28 July to 8 August 2022.

By Athletics Australia & Commonwealth Games Australia
Posted: 22/10/2021