Good luck to Pacific Islands athletes ahead of Paris 2024 Olympic Games

  • Media Release

The Australian Government extends its congratulations and best wishes to the 104 athletes from 17 Pacific Islands nations who will be competing in 12 sports at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

These athletes will proudly wear their national colours, representing their families, communities, countries, and the broader Pacific Islands region.

The Australian Government, through PacificAus Sports, partnered with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) to provide support for more than 230 Pacific Islands athletes as they strived to qualify for the Olympic Games.

This partnership highlights individual athletic excellence and strengthens the bond between Australia and Pacific Islands nations.

Known as 'The Warriors of Oceania', they embody the spirit of unity and excellence, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and sporting talent of the Pacific. Their participation in the Olympic Games is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and talent.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

"The Albanese Government is proud to have supported athletes from across Oceania as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

"Their journey to the Games is a celebration of their resilience, talent, and the spirit of the Pacific family of which Australia is a part. These athletes are a source of inspiration and pride for all of us, and we wish them the very best at the Games."

Quotes attributable to President of the Oceania National Olympic Committees, Dr Robin Mitchell:

"The pride we feel in our Pacific athletes is immense. Their dedication and achievements are a testament to the strength and spirit of our region.

"The support from the Australian Government has been instrumental in helping our athletes reach their full potential. This partnership highlights the unity and camaraderie within the Pacific, and we are confident that our athletes will make us proud at Paris 2024."

About PacificAus Sports

PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative developing pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions and access high performance coaching in Australia and internationally. The program partners with Australian sports organisations to support a range of Pacific sports, including rugby league, rugby union, netball, football, AFL, cricket, and Olympic/Paralympic sports, with funding split evenly between women and men.

PacificAus Sports also partners with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to promote Pacific sport through ABC Television's 'That Pacific Sports Show' and ABC Radio's 'Fresh Off the Field'. The high-performance outcomes of PacificAus Sports are complemented by the Australian Government's Team Up program, which focuses on sport for development in the Pacific.

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Media enquiries

  • Minister's office: (02) 6277 7840
  • DFAT Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555