Embargo: 4 p. m. Satuv-day, 10 February 1979.
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 10 FEBRUARY 1979
Fund Raising Campaign of Australian Olympic Federation
All of us, I am sure, are aware of the importance of sport
to our way of life. We are a sporting nation. We take
pride in the achievements and sportsmanship of the men and
women who have represented Australia in international
competition.
As a country of only 14 million people, Australia has a
record of remarkable success in international sport. This
record extends to the Olympic Games, where we can be proud
of our achievements not only in terms of medals won and
events entered, but also because we are one of only four
nations which has competed at every Olympic Games of the
modern era.
I am sure I s-oeak on behalf of all Australians when I say
that wa would want that proud record of Olympic participation
maintained. The next Olympic Games in 1980 in Moscow and the
winter events to ' De held at Lake Placid, earlier that
year will once again see competition among the great athletes
of the-world, including our own.
In a world where many countries' sporting administration
and training programs are government-controlled, Australians
may be justly proud that their own athletic and sporting
organisations are free of such restraints and controls.
It does mean, however, that a special effort is needed from
all Australians to support our athletes so that the best
possible team from Australia may be sent to the 1980 Olympics.
It is pleasing to note that the Australian Olympic Federation
has already commenced planning for the 1980 Games, and set in
motion significant aspects of its fund-raising measures,
particularly its marketing and franchising program.
For its part, the Commonwealth Government is prepared to vary
past practice, and annHoun~ ce support for the Federation's
fund-raising efforts well in advance. / 2
2
This new Government initiative will mean that the Federation
will have two years lead time for the planning, selection
and training of our Olympians. The policy of early announcement
of Government assistance to sport will be extended in future to
other major international events, such as the Commonwealth Games.
Total Commonwealth assistance for the 1980 Olympics will be
$ 800,000. Of this $ 300,000 will be made available to the
Federation for pre-event training and competition for those
athletes seeking selection.
A further grant of up to $ 500,000 will be made available on a
$ 1 for $ 1 basis to match funds raised by the Federation over
and above its marketing and franchising program.
With this help, the Federation should be better placed to reach
its target. I am confident that all Australians will join the
Government in the Olympic ideal, and give generously to the
appeal fu hd.
On the occasion of this launching, I wish all the organisers
and all athletes who aspire to gain selection for Australia
every success. o0o---