Sailor Matt Wearn has become the first beneficiary of the State Government’s direct-to-athlete funding package.
Wearn is the first local athlete to be selected on the Australian Olympic team and will receive $4,000 from the Western Australian Government to help his preparation for Tokyo.
The WAIS scholarship holder is the current world number one and is the national title holder in the Laser.
It is the first time the State Government is providing direct financial assistance to all WA athletes who qualify for an Olympic or Paralympic event.
The State Government will also contribute an additional $50,000, to be split evenly between the West Australian members of the Olympic and Paralympic teams.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
“This program makes sure the majority of funding provided by West Australians goes to local athletes.
“Direct funding ensures the Western Australian Institute of Sport is given better control of how our local athletes prepare for the Games.”
As stated by sailor Matt Wearn:
“I am very grateful for the direct financial support being given to athletes selected to compete at the Tokyo Games, by the West Australian Government.
“The support from the WA Government through LotteryWest and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries will be vital to my preparation.”
