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T2EL.: Rug. 94 12: 45 No. 016 P. 01/ c
PRIME MINISTER 6/ 4
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P4 KEATING MP
AUSTRALIA-PACIFIC 2000 PROGRAM
I am pleased to announce today the establishment. of an
Australia-PacifC 2000 Program under which Australia will help Forum
Island countries participate In the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
The Games will be a significant event for the region and $ 1 million a
year will be spent on prograrns aimed at maximlsing opportunities for
South Pacific nations to be Involved and their athletes to participate In
the Olympics and, to benefit from them.
The program will involve assistance for sporting and cultural
vlsittexchaflges and youth activities.
It will include an Oceania Sports Assistance Program to be administered
by the Australian Sports Commission. This program will assist a range
of sports development activities within the countries of the region In the
lead-up to the Games.
The Commission program will enable elite athletes In the region to
develop to their full potential and so achieve maximum participation at
the 2000 Olympics.
Forum Island countries strongl supported Sydney's bid for the 2000
Games an Imporant element or which was a commitment on
Australia's part to extend the benefits of the Olympics to our region, and
to highlight the unique cultural heritage of the region.
The program fulfils this commitment.
Island countries also stand to gain significantly from the expected
tourism boom generated by the Games. Forum leaders in their
statement yesterday recognised the excellent potential for tourism
development In the South Pacific.
BRISBANE 2 AUGUST 1994 TEL