§ Lord Pendryasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will provide additional funds for those sports failing to meet their potential. [HL1519]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Lord McIntosh of Haringey)Sport England has announced plans to invest £315 million in the development of 32 sports over the next four years. The purpose of this funding is to help national governing bodies to realise their sports' potential by delivering their own objectives and those of Sport England. In practice, this will entail increasing participation and achieving greater success in international competition.
Moreover, UK Sport has endorsed a new investment strategy to reinforce the best performing sports, support those that are developing and provoke change in those that are underperforming. There is a sharpened focus on those sports and individuals who demonstrate the potential to deliver on the biggest stage.
Seventy-five per cent of available resources will be allocated on the basis of proven performance at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, and 25 per cent based on a sport's future potential for improved performance. As a result, 14 Olympic sports will receive enhanced funding between 2005 and 2009 from a total summer Olympic investment of £75 million.