Ski & Snowboard Australia welcomes sports funding boost from Australian Government

Ski & Snowboard Australia (SSA) welcome the Australian Government’s $385.4 million sport and physical activity package announced in last night’s Federal Budget.

The Federal Budget delivered more than $158 million of new investment directly to Sport Australia and the AIS, helping to fund community participation initiatives through to additional support for Australia’s high performance athletes.

An additional $54.1 million will be invested in high performance sport for athlete pathways and wellbeing, while school and community infrastructure programs will be expanded.

SSA CEO Michael Kennedy, said the increased investment would help across a broad spectrum of the sport pathway.

“SSA welcomes the increased investment into talent identification and athlete development pathways.

“It aligns with our stated strategic priority to raise the overall skill and quality of athletes, coaching and programs in the pathway with a view to identifying talent and supporting the journey through to the highest level.

“SSA has prioritised resources and is seeking further investment into our pathway programs including Emerging Talent, Futures programs along with developing local coaching talent through the SSA Coaching Academy project.

“Additionally the commitment to ongoing funding of the Sporting Schools initiative is welcomed. SSA has been a part of this program through Little Shredders, and now the Little Gliders (Cross Country) program which launches in Term 2 this year.

From a high performance perspective the AIS will increase its annual means-tested support grants, known as ‘dAIS’ grants to athletes by more than 16% to $14 million per year. The AIS has also pledged funding towards enhanced athlete wellbeing and personal development initiatives.

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