The Australian Government will provide about K50 million (AUD15.6 million) over four years to support the next generation of Pacific athletes as they work towards competing at major international sporting events, including the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The funding will support athletes and officials from 13 Pacific countries to access high-performance training, development and qualification opportunities.

The program will be delivered in partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, Commonwealth Games Australia and regional sporting organizations.

Support will target Pacific participation in the Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games, Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Rarotonga 2029 Pacific Mini Games, as well as other international sporting events.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Pacific is home to significant sporting talent, and the partnership would help develop the next generation of successful athletes.

“The Pacific is home to incredible sporting talent. This new partnership will contribute to producing the next generation of successful athletes.”

He said Australia looked forward to welcoming Pacific athletes to Brisbane for the 2032 Games.

“As we move forward in planning for Brisbane 2032 Australia looks forward to welcoming the best of the best sporting talent from the Pacific and supporting them to go for gold.”

Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy said sport had an important role beyond competition, including bringing communities together and supporting healthy lifestyles, gender equity and youth leadership.

“This is an investment in the development of athletes across the Pacific.”

He said he looked forward to seeing Pacific athletes compete successfully at the upcoming Paralympic, Commonwealth and Olympic Games.