The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

DEAFLYMPICS AUSTRALIAN TEAM RECEIVE $400 000 BOOST

In Melbourne today the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, confirmed the Australian Government's funding support of $400 000 to assist the Australian Deaflympic Team, augmenting the $4.15 million package provided to stage the Melbourne 2005 Deaflympic Games.

'It gives me great pleasure to confirm this funding, and to know this support from the Australian Government is making a real difference for our hard-working Australian team,' Senator Kemp said.

'The Australian Government is proud to be effectively reducing the cost of participating in the Deaflympic Games by 67 per cent for every member of the 235 strong team including our athletes, coaches, support staff and volunteers.'

The funding is a key element of the Australian Government's 2004 sport policy, Building Australian Communities through Sport, and is in addition to the $4.15 million in direct financial assistance already committed to the staging of the Deaflympic Games.

'For the Australian Team, the Games is the culmination of many months and years of planning, training and dedication. It is an honour to share today with you as you prepare to represent Australia. I wish you every success in your endeavours in January next year,' Senator Kemp said.

The Minister was speaking at the Team Announcement event where members of the Australian team for the Melbourne 2005 Deaflympic Games were confirmed.

The Australian Government is also supporting internationally competitive Australian athletes for the Games with more than $300 000 in direct funding to Deaf Sports Australia through direct financial assistance and programs delivered by the Australian Sports Commission.

The Australian Government recognises that the Deaflympic Games are an important event for all Australians, particularly the Australian Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

CANBERRA
4 DECEMBER 2004

Media contact: Adrian Chippindale, 02 6277 7350 or 0407 208 743