Diving Australia welcomes the funding boost to sport in Australia as part of this week’s Federal Budget.

The $54 million funding increase over the next two years for development pathways and athlete wellbeing will have a substantial impact in enhancing those areas in Australian sport.

The boost comes as part of a $385.4 million package for sport and physical activity.

Diving Australia CEO David Bell says the boost will ensure the very best opportunities for the next generation of Australian Divers.

“The additional investment into pathway athletes promise to greatly improve our prospects for future major events which may include an Adelaide Commonwealth Games and a Brisbane Olympics,” Bell said.

“Either way, with additional pathway support we will be able to better resource our young athletes which will ensure they have a better chance of progressing to making an impact on the senior world stage.”

Combined with the additional athlete wellbeing, athletes will be better prepared and importantly, better supported at all points of the pathway.

Development pathways and the fostering of young athletes has been a vital component to Australian Diving success over the past decades.

Australia has cemented itself in the top tier of diving nations having claimed medals at every Olympic Games since Sydney, the funding boost will help ensure this success continues into the future.

“Overall, this additional funding into sport is gratefully received and Diving Australia sincerely thanks Minister McKenzie for her support of sport. We also thank Kate Palmer and Peter Conde for their tireless work in representing sport at all levels,” Bell said.

For more information on the funding boost, and continued athlete pathway developments, visit Sport Australia here.