§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the effect of National Lottery funding on Britain's Olympic performance.[134822]
§ Kate HoeyThe performance of the British Team in Sydney was the best showing since the 1920 Games. This was achieved through the focus, determination and talent of our athletes, harnessed and given a chance by the Lottery funding and other support that they and their coaches receive. Over £80 million has been paid to athletes and their sports from the National Lottery since 1997.
I have met with the Performance Directors of the Olympic Sports, together with the British Olympic Association, to discuss ways of building on the success of Sydney and I shall shortly be having a similar meeting with the Chief Executives of the sports governing bodies.