Funding for Special Olympics Australia

More people with an intellectual disability will have the chance to participate in sports, with the Australian Government committing to annual funding to Special Olympics Australia of $300,000 a year.

Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten have announced the funding will be provided through the Australian Sport Commission.

“This funding allows Special Olympics Australia to continue the great work it does across Australia,” Minister Ellis said.

“Special Olympics Australia makes a vital contribution to the health and fitness of people with disability providing year-round sports training and competition for children and adults, helping them increase their fitness, develop skills, make friends and be part of the community.”

The Special Olympics caters for people at all levels, not just elite athletes, who want to compete in international competitions.

“This funding will help Special Olympics Australia to reach more people with intellectual disability, and allow them to participate as the valuable and valued members of the community they are,” Parliamentary Secretary Shorten said.

“It will let them continue to prove to us all that disability does not mean inability.”

Special Olympics Australia currently works with 4,500 athletes in 45 regions to participate in 12 official sports and relies almost entirely on volunteers.