Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

The Special Olympics Australia will receive $130,000 from the Australian Government to help meet the costs of sending the Australian team to the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis announced today.

Senator Brandis also announced today a 21 per cent increase in Special Olympics Australia base funding for 2007-08 to $125,000.

“Today’s announcement brings the total Australian Government support for the Special Olympics Australia in 2007-08 to $255,000,” Senator Brandis said.

The funding, delivered through the Australian Sports Commission, will help our Special Olympic athletes and team officials to prepare and travel to Shanghai and represent Australia in October of this year.

Senator Brandis said Special Olympics Australia expects to send 130 athletes and 38 coaches to the Games in Shanghai, and the Australian Government’s $130,000 contribution to travel costs compliments the organisation’s fundraising efforts.

The Australian Government will continue to support the Australian Sport and Recreation Association for Persons with Integration Difficulties (AUSRAPID) in providing athlete pathways for people with an intellectual disability to represent Australia internationally.

For more information about the Special Olympics Australia, visit www.specialolympics.com.au

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

8 June 2007

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