VenuesWest has launched a new strategy aimed at boosting its support of high-performance sport.
The Government-owned company says, through the High Performance Sport Strategy 2021, it wants to expand the number of targeted sports its supports, while offering complete transparency around the selection process and benefits delivered.
VenuesWest owns 13 of the State’s premier sport and entertainment venues on behalf of the State Government, and directly supports high-performance athletes.
In a statement, VenuesWest said that, in 2020-21, its support and benefits allowed for 71,765 hours of high-performance training and competition to take place at its venues.
“This means that WA athletes have the opportunity to train and compete in world-class facilities with the full support of their family and friends and enjoy the benefits that a home ground delivers,” it said.
“The new Strategy will also increase the span of support for sports across the spectrum, from sports that have high market share and are commercially successful, through to those who do not have a strong participation stronghold and require significant subsidy to train and compete.”
VenuesWest said proposed benefits included subsidy on venue hire and lease arrangements; priority venue and facilities access; and prioritised capital investment in training and competition facilities.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Tony Buti said the State was entering an exciting and innovative period for sport, with emerging sports such as skateboarding and sport climbing stepping into the spotlight.
“With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, we need to think outside of the box and expand our support to non-traditional sports that are exciting for spectators and athletes alike,” Dr Buti said.
“We need to consider how we support sports that will get tomorrow’s kids off the couch,” he said.
“Evolving our high-performance sport support is one way to improve that.”
Sporting organisations will soon be called to nominate their interest in the VenuesWest targeted sport program, with successful targeted sports to be inducted in July 2022.
The 35-page Strategy can be downloaded at this PS News link.
