Today, Airbnb announced the third edition of the Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant, in partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
The Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant, which was launched in 2021, offered up to 500 athletes a year $2,000 USD travel grant to use exclusively on airbnb.com as they travel, train and compete.
In 2022, applications from athletes more than doubled and 1 Million dollars was distributed to 500 Olympic and Paralympic athletes from around the world.
On the road to Paris 2024 and as part of our continued commitment to athletes within the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, we are excited to share that the Travel Grant will be extended to up to 1000 athletes this year. This programme represents over $8 million in direct support for athletes across the life of the partnership.
“Supporting athletes lies at the heart of our partnership, whether through valuable programmes that offer economic support where needed, through our incredible Host community that provides athletes with stays and experiences, or through the economic empowerment offered to the many athletes who are Hosts on Airbnb themselves. We are proud to continue our commitment with the IOC and IPC to continue finding ways to support athletes as they pursue their dreams.“
Emmanuel Marill, Airbnb Regional Manager for EMEA.
All Olympic & Paralympic sports represented in 2022 submissions
In 2022, 500 athletes representing 213 countries and 62 sports (Olympic & Paralympic) benefited from the Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant programme. Among the programme recipients, 60% of them self-identify as women.
Beyond the direct financial benefit of the Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant, many athletes voiced how it helped them to be more competitive in their sport such as Pauline Ado, professional surfer:
“In my sport, travel expenses for competitions are covered by the athletes. The Airbnb [Athlete Travel] Grant really helped me to compete in multiple events including recently in Morocco where I finished on the second step of the podium. Airbnb homes bring many benefits while I compete as I can enjoy the comfort of a home and a kitchen to follow my specific diet, it also has more space for my equipment and allows me to be closer to my competition venues!”
Pauline Ado, 2017 ISA World Champion and seven-time WSL European Champion.
For Wheelchair fencing athlete Ludovic Lemoine, support for accommodations during competitions is key. His Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant took the pressure off travel logistics and gave him the opportunity to bring his mental trainer and family along, allowing to be in both great physical and mental conditions for his competition.
“For me, the road to Paris 2024 started in November 2022 with the selection process and I can’t afford to miss any competition. As I have to cover all accommodation costs, having this grant allows me to fully live the competitions and to participate in the athletes group life, at costs that are lower than the official hotel option. If it wasn’t for the grant I wouldn’t have been able to attend the first qualification event for Paris 2024 in Hungary – where I won the individual saber Championship bronze medal”
Ludovic Lemoine, Wheelchair fencing French athlete
How to apply
Applications open on April 25, 2023 at 12:00am PDT on olympics.com/athlete365/airbnb-athlete-travel-grant for eligible athletes and will close on May 25, 2023 at 11:59 am PDT. The Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant can only be used towards Stays in association with training, medical, or competition-related travel, and is not intended for non-sports-related personal use. To learn more about how the Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant works and the terms that apply, visit the dedicated page on Athlete365 and the Athlete Travel Grant Terms and Conditions.
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