Jordan Hill describes his connection with his horse as "like father and son".
Key points:
- Perth had been in line to host the 2027 Special Olympics World Games
- About $95 million in government funding is needed, but none has been offered
- If funding isn't arranged by the end of the month, Australia may lose its chance
When he's riding "Spidey", any stress and frustration fades away, leaving the equestrian rider with a grin from ear to ear.
It's a similar smile to the one Jordan gets when he describes his excitement at the idea of the Special Olympics World Games — described as the world's largest inclusive sporting event — coming to Australia in 2027.
"I really, really want it to come here because I really want to compete … [in front of] all my friends and my family and my girlfriend as well," he said.
Perth had been in the box seat to host the games, winning the early approval of international organisers to bring together thousands of athletes from across Australia and the world.
But those hopes now hang in the balance with growing uncertainty about whether the games will get the government support they need to go ahead.
Time running out on host bid
Organisers had been hoping for around $95 million of government funding, with $45 million from the federal government and $25 million each from state and local governments.
It was also proposed that the state government would cover the costs of allowing the event to be held at state-owned venues like Perth Stadium, without the need to build any new infrastructure.
"That has been agreed at various points in time, and certainly the deputy premier at the time, now Premier [Roger Cook] has been supportive of that," organising committee chair Tanya Brown said.
But so far, no level of government has committed to funding the games, also leaving potential partnerships with dozens of companies in doubt.
Special Olympics' governing body needs funding agreements to be resolved before the end of the month, or Australia could miss out.
Ms Brown says with other cities already lining up to host the games, 2027 is Australia's only opportunity in the foreseeable future.
Jordan said he would be "a bit devastated" if that's what happened.
WA government priorities elsewhere
Australia losing its chance has become more likely in recent days, with Mr Cook ruling out spending any government funds on the event at a press conference announcing Perth would host a series of Rugby 7's games.
"In 23/24 we will spend $1.3 billion on disability services for Western Australians and that's our focus," he said.
"Particularly as we're starting to bed down the NDIS and as part of the review we think it's important to focus upon disability services rather than these large celebrations.
"Our focus at the moment is on disability services in Western Australia, utilising taxpayers' funds to make sure we support those people with a disability to lead rich, rewarding lives."
A state government spokesperson said there were also "questions" about the event's price tag.
But Ms Brown said the NDIS was a completely separate issue.
"There's no assurance of where that money lands and there's no commitment to people with intellectual disability," she said.
"NDIS doesn't really have anything to do with Special Olympics.
"Special Olympics is about ending discrimination against people with intellectual disability."
Funding limbo
At the same press conference, Mr Cook said both the federal government and the City of Perth had also declined to fund the event.
But Ms Brown later told ABC Radio Perth she was yet to have formal responses from any level of government, including the state.
A Commonwealth spokesperson only said the government was "aware of Special Olympics Australia's interest" in bidding for the Perth Games.
"The government considers proposals for support to host major sporting events in Australia as part of budget processes," they said.
"The government remains committed to delivering a green and gold decade of major sporting events that will create significant socio-economic benefits for all Australians."
City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said it was disappointing the event might not go ahead, but that any funding from the city would need to go through council processes.
"These big events are always incumbent on receiving state and federal government funding," he said.
"But would the City of Perth [have] considered a financial contribution to the levels which our ratepayers could support? Absolutely, because it's such a good event that would have brought so many people to Perth."
A return on investment
The most recent World Games, held earlier this year in Berlin, attracted around 7,000 athletes and 23,000 supporters and coaches from 190 countries, according to Special Olympics.
Plans for Australia's version estimated it could bring in as many as 19,350 international visitors, and another 7,650 from interstate.
Analysis of the plans prepared by EY in late 2021 estimated the cost of the event at $136 million but projected it would result in $212 million of economic benefits – or a return of $1.56 for every dollar spent.
That included $86 million of tourism spend before, during and after the event, as well as an estimated $40 million benefit to the health system by avoiding "inactivity of previously inactive participants and inspired spectators" over a 10-year period.
World Games also come with a range of leadership and tourism opportunities for athletes and their supporters, as well as specialised health checks.
"People might hear for the first time by receiving a hearing aid or get their first pair of glasses, and the ability that that unleashes and the improvement in general wellbeing in life is phenomenal," Ms Brown said.
According to the EY analysis, Abu Dhabi's World Games in 2019 cost $126 million, with 96 per cent paid by government, while the Berlin games cost $121 million with 84 per cent of the money provided by government.
By comparison, Los Angeles' event in 2015 was achieved with only 6 per cent government support – with 51 per cent from corporate sponsorships and another 42 per cent from donations.
Power of inclusivity
Jordan represented Australia at the 2019 games, and still laughs when remembering the fun of that experience.
"I got two silvers and one fifth … I went out there and then I really tired my best," he said.
If the Games went ahead in Perth, Jordan said he would love to reconnect with friends he made while representing Australia at the 2019 Abu Dhabi event, as well as making new ones.
Ms Brown said the power of the games could not be underestimated.
"The people that get the wonderful opportunity to participate in Special Olympics are champions," she said.
"It's just that there isn't enough opportunities for that to be demonstrated.
"Putting it in spotlight on a world stage with engagement from all parts of the community, you get transformation, you … change views, change lives, change our nation and change the world."
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2023-07-19 22:41:14Z
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