 The new partnership hopes to boost Britain's medal chances in 2012 |
The UK's leading sports bodies have joined forces in an effort to raise private money for British athletes ahead of the London Olympics in 2012. Funds raised by Team 2012 will mainly be used to help athletes on UK Sport's World Class Performance Programme. Sir Clive Woodward's proposed Olympic coaching programme would also benefit. "We've always believed that delivering a memorable Games will need strong British performances," said London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton. The scheme brings together the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, the British Olympic Association, British Paralympic Association and UK Sport, and Deighton added that the new partnership will help Britain in their quest for Olympic success.  | This private sector funding stream will boost our medal chances even further and leave a lasting legacy from the Games. |
"Locog is committed to helping UK Sport, BOA and BPA maximise private sector funding for elite sport in this country and have been happy to lend our expertise in raising domestic sponsorship to this project," he said. "The announcement offers a unique opportunity for London 2012 partners to contribute to the development of our athletes in their quest to reach their potential in 2012 and beyond." It will sit alongside existing schemes, like National Lottery funding, and the organisations will work together to offer sponsors access to a package of rights that brings together branding, access and events surrounding the Games. Fringe Olympic sports have recently suffered big funding cuts and it is hoped the new scheme will help plug a shortfall of about �50m. Former England rugby union head coach Woodward has drawn up plans for a scheme to help Olympic coaches costing up to �15m, but it faced an uncertain future, also due a lack of funding. However, with the backing of Team 2012 it is back on course and Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Andy Burnham believes the new partnership will enhance Britain's medal prospects. | 606: DEBATE |
"I challenged our Olympic and Paralympic partners to come together and develop a strong and exciting proposition for business to support our medal prospects," said Mr Burnham. "I am very pleased that they have stepped up to the plate. "This private sector funding stream will boost our medal chances even further and leave a lasting legacy from the Games. "We know times are tough for many businesses, but this is a huge opportunity to be associated with the success of our athletes and the excitement that has surrounded Olympic and Paralympic sport since last summer's triumphs in Beijing - to give something and get something back in return."
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