By PETER ROWE

The Australian Olympic Committee  has announced a $5000 grant to eligible Indigenous athletes ahead of the Paris Olympics.

Athletes will have to meet a criteria set by their indigenous advisory committee, but AOC President Ian Chesterman said the funding could add extra support for several athletes ahead of the event.

“We’re hoping that at least 10 athletes will take advantage of that and hopefully a whole lot more if they get to be in the team in Paris,” Chesterman told AAP.

“I think it will really give them a bit of last-minute support and if that money is not all spent it can help them come out of Paris to start their preparation for 2028.”

He also announced the creation of an Australian Olympic Indigenous Athlete Fund designed to generate between $500,000 and $1 million a year.

Chesterman also unveiled details of schemes which would allow philanthropists to make tax-deductible donations via the Australian Sports Foundation to a new Aspiring Australian Olympic Athlete Fund and the existing Medal Incentive fund.