Funding boost for Olympic Winter Institute of Australia and Snow Australia

Australia’s winter sports athletes have received extra funding committed to support their preparations for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The funding boost for the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia ($770,000) and Snow Australia ($331,100) follows the Australian Government’s recent $20 million investment via the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Fund.

The announcement of the extra $1.1 million to the winter sports sector was made today by the Federal Minster for Sport, Anika Wells, at the Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre in Brisbane’s Sleeman Sports Complex.

The training centre is home to some of Australia’s most exciting athletes including moguls Olympic gold medallist Jakara Anthony and world number one female aerial skier Danielle Scott, who joined the Minister for the announcement.

Minister Wells said the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) was committed to ensuring sustainable success at Paris, Milano Cortina and beyond and noted “we are coming off the back of our best ever Winter Olympics medal haul in Beijing and I know our athletes are looking to better that in 2026.

"While all our athletes make enormous sacrifices to train and compete at an elite level, winter sport athletes have the added hurdle of limited natural conditions.

“This funding will ensure our Winter Olympians and Paralympians receive the support they need to inspire the next generation to be involved in winter sports.”

The Australian Government invested in the $6.5 million Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre, which allows athletes to train in their home country all year round, regardless of the conditions.

ASC Chief Executive Kieren Perkins said the funding would allow sports to plan and invest accordingly, especially the winter sports as they approach the halfway mark of their games cycle.

“Just like our athletes preparing for the summer Olympics and Paralympics, our winter athletes are facing the same challenges due to rising costs to get to key events in the lead up to Milano Cortina in 2026.

“Our athletes continue to achieve incredible feats around the world and this recent investment, coupled with the expertise available to them, will allow them the opportunity to perform at their best on the world stage.”

The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are scheduled from 6th-22nd February, 2026 with the Paralympics taking place from 6th-15th March, 2026.

Image top: Federal Minister for Sport Ankia Wells with Winter Olympic medallists Matt Graham & winter Team at Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre; Image above: ASC Chief Executive Kieren Perkins with Minister Wells and winter Team members