The Western Australian Government has announced direct financial support to help athletes prepare to perform at their best on the world stage next month.
- More than 30 Western Australian athletes set to compete at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
- Eligible athletes to receive a direct payment of $5,000 from the Cook Government to ease financial pressure and support athletes to focus on performance on the international stage
- 73 Western Australians have represented Australia over the last 20 years at Commonwealth Games.
As the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games approach, the Western Australian Government has announced funding that will see $5,000 paid directly to WA athletes in their final preparation for competition. Eligible WA athletes that competed at the Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games earlier in 2026 will also have access to the payments.
The Commonwealth Games have long been a source of pride for Australia, with the nation consistently among the most successful in the competition’s history.
Western Australia has played a strong role in this success, with athletes regularly delivering standout performances on the international stage. Over the past 20 years, 73 Western Australians have represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games, collectively winning 101 medals – 60 gold, 24 silver and 17 bronze.
Many athletes preparing for Glasgow are balancing the demands of high performance sport with study, part-time work and daily life. Research form the Australian Sports Foundation shows that around 50 per cent of elite athletes earn less than $23,000 per year, highlighting the financial pressures that come with pursuing elite sport. This funding plays a critical role in easing that burden, allowing athletes to focus on their preparation and performance as they represent Western Australia and Australia on the world stage.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow, Scotland from 23 July to 2 August 2026 and will feature both able-bodied and para athletes.
