Each year, Commonwealth Day provides an opportunity to highlight the
valuable role the Commonwealth continues to play in bringing together
nations across the globe. The theme for this year's Commonwealth
Day, Sport Brings Us Together, is very appropriate.
Sport is an investment in the future - not just in tomorrow's
athletes but in ensuring all our young people get the social, health
and economic benefits from participating in sports. As nations we
gain from the sense of identity and social cohesion that sport can
foster.
The Commonwealth has a proud tradition in sport - at the elite level
and as part of its community development work. As a strong sporting
nation, Australia has long been an active supporter of Commonwealth
sport - and is the Commonwealth's major sports donor.
At last year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Edinburgh,
I pledged a package of assistance worth over $1 million per year to
ensure Commonwealth sport continues to prosper.
We are extending the highly successful Protea Sport programme in South
Africa which assists community development and reconciliation in townships.
We have extended support for junior sports development in the Caribbean.
In the South Pacific, we have a programme designed to enable the region
to take advantage of Sydney's hosting of the 2000 Olympics. Subject
to a positive review, the programme will be extended to 2006.
In a year when the region is facing significant challenges, the 1998
Commonwealth Games will bring us together in the Malaysian capital
of Kuala Lumpur. I have no doubt the games will be a great success
and help the process of restoring confidence.
Australia's commitment to ensuring the Commonwealth Games remains
a competition of international stature and wide interest is reflected
in Melbourne's bid to host the 2006 Games. World class facilities
and the strong public support for sport in Melbourne will enhance
the Games' status and profile.
9 March 1998