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Mayor and Olympic Stars Announce Continued Funding
10th February 2009
Mayor Boris Johnson, Dame Kelly Holmes and Beijing Bronze Medallist Louis Smith yesterday met a group of young Olympic hopefuls, who have each been supported with awards of £1,000 thanks to SportsAid‘s partnership with The Mayor of London.
The Mayor provided funding last year for the initial group of 30 athletes that benefited and he has pledged to fund the same number of young emerging athletes this year.
SportsAid Chief Executive Tim Lawler said: “This is an exciting partnership for SportsAid and it highlights the unique role that we play in helping the right athletes at the right time. It also demonstrates the commitment the city has to supporting the 2012 vision, helping to inspire and encourage young people to get involved in sport.”
Mayor Boris Johnson said: “I’m proud to be investing in London’s future Olympic stars, who will be the true legacy of the 2012 Games. I admire the extreme determination and discipline of these young sports stars and I hope these training grants will help them perform at the highest level. These are characteristics I want to see in all of London’s young people, which is why I plan to award grants to another 30 young athletes later this year.
“I am joined today by the magnificent Dame Kelly Holmes and Louis Smith, whose outstanding Olympic achievements are an inspiration to us all. I would also like to thank SportsAid, who have been instrumental in identifying talented athletes across London. The young people here today are a prime example of the talent that exists across London.”
Dame Kelly Holmes said: “SportsAid can play a massive part in helping young talented athletes on their journey to achieving their goals and they couldn’t do it without support from partners like the Mayor. SportsAid gives many aspiring young sports people the first recognition of their potential and the financial support which can help them progress. I am looking forward to working closely with SportsAid through my ‘On Camp with Kelly’ initiative and the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust. This supports my work with retired sporting champions who deliver mentoring and personal development programmes for young athletes, their parents and coaches within their communities. SportsAid helped me when I was young and I look forward to strengthening links with them again in the future.”
Kate Hoey MP, Spots Commissioner said: “I am delighted that the Mayor has agreed to extend his partnership with SportsAid. It is further evidence of the value that is now being placed on sport in this city. From his continued support for these aspiring Olympians to last week’s £15.5m investment in a grass-roots legacy programme, the Mayor is ensuring that London leads the way.”