HC Deb 07 September 2004 vol 424 c1224W
Kate Hoey

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what definition the Government uses of the term "lower priority Olympic sports". [186376]

Mr. Caborn

All sports were assessed in 1997–98 against UK Sport classification criteria (significance in the UK, significance internationally, international success) and more refined indicators which were: the recent record of success or achievement in the international arena, recognition as an Olympic sport, the quantity and quality of the competitive field, the number of world class performers in the UK, the public profile of the sport in the UK and the number of affiliated members in the UK.

Based on these criteria, a number of sports were not considered to be high priority for support from UK Sport. The Olympic Sports Development Fund established by UK Sport and the BOA attempts to help such sports achieve their potential.