Olympic grants for Indigenous athletes
By PETER ROWE
The Australian Olympic Committee has awarded nine Indigenous Olympians $5000 grants to recognise their efforts at the Paris games to assist their future performance.
The grant scheme was announced earlier this year, furthering the AOC’s objective to provide practical support to Indigenous Australians.
AOC President Ian Chesterman said the nine athletes across seven different sports were outstanding role models who proudly represented Australia at the games.
“The AOC is committed to creating more opportunities for our First Nation’s athletes to represent us an Olympic Games, particularly as we head to a Home Games in Brisbane 2032,” Mr Chesterman said.
“These athletes in Paris set such an example for young Indigenous boys and girls to follow.
“The grants are a reflection of the commitment that each athlete has made to win selection and compete in Paris and an encouragement for them to continue their Olympic journeys and to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
“We know that these grants will make that task just that little bit easier. My thanks to the Indigenous Advisory Committee for its guidance and assistance in bringing these inaugural grants to this point.”
Two of the grant recipients, basketballer Alex Wilson and sailor Conor Nicholas, have also been appointed as Indigenous members of the AOC Athletes’ Commission.
The appointment of the Paris Olympians to the two vacancies follows consultation with the IAC and fulfils the AOC’s commitment to a permanent Indigenous Voice on the Athletes’ Commission.
The pair replace boxer Alex Winwood and beach volleyballer Taliqua Clancy whose terms ended at the Paris Games after serving on the Commission since the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Mr Chesterman welcomed the appointments as a critical continuation of the AOC’s reconciliation journey.
“Alex and Conor were among the eleven Indigenous athletes who competed in Paris, bringing to 66 the number of known Indigenous Olympians,” he said.
“Their views will be an important addition to the athlete voice.”The successful athletes:
Callum Peters – Boxing
Mariah Williams – Hockey
Conor Nicholas – Sailing
Abbey Connor – Swimming
Alex (Ally) Wilson – Basketball (3×3)
Calab Law – Athletics
Brooke Peris – Hockey
Taliqua Clancy – Beach Volleyball
Marissa Williamson Pohlman – Boxing
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