Matt Wearn first recipient of $4000 WA Government direct athlete funding

WAIS sailor Matt Wearn was the first recipient of the $4000 direct payment from the WA Government to support his preparation for the Tokyo Games.

Minister Mick Murray presented the first check to Matt Wearn at the Western Australian Institute of Sport High Performance Service Centre.

Wearn, the current world number one has made a strong start to 2020 winning the Australian national title in the Laser, before going on to be crowned the Oceania Champion in January. His consistency and status as a medal contender for Tokyo was further on display when he claimed silver at the World Championships for the third year in a row last month.

“I am very grateful for the direct financial support being given to athletes selected to the Tokyo Games by the Western Australian Government,” said Wearn.

“The support from the WA Government through LotteryWest and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries will be vital to my preparation. This grant in addition to the ongoing support of WAIS will help me in the coming months in the final lead up, allowing me to arrive in Tokyo in the best condition for the Games.”

This Olympic and Paralympic Games in the first time the State Government is providing direct financial assistance to all Western Australian athletes who are selected to the Australian Olympic or Paralympic Team.

“This program makes sure the majority of funding provided by West Australians goes to local athletes,” said Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon. Mick Murray.

“Direct funding ensures the Western Australian Institute of Sport is given better control of how our local athletes prepare for the Games.”

The State Government will also contribute an additional $50,000, to be split evenly between the Olympic and Paralympic team appeals.

The Olympic and Paralympic Funding Program is made possible by the WA Government through LotteryWest and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.