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MONEY matters have been at the heart of the bid for the London 2012 Olympics. According to the Department of Media, Culture and Sport’s “The Next Lap” report, the public cost of 2012 was thought to be just over £3bn in 2005. In 2008, the cost now stands at over £9bn.
The Central Council for Physical Recreation is a group representing UK sport governing bodies and individuals who participate in sport. Their membership also consists of 150,000 sports clubs and 13 million regular participants in sport, and the group lobbies Parliament for the benefit of, in particular, community sport. James Stibbs, director of communications for the CCPR, believes that over £500m will have been shaved from grassroots sports funds as a result of 2012. He said: “That figure is a total we have calculated from the diversion of Lottery funds from both Sport England and the diversion of Lottery money away from the general pot of money that goes towards good causes in this country”.
Sport England is the main funding body for grassroots sport. Working under the remit of promoting and investing in community sport, their director of policy and performance is Mihir Warty. “In the run up to the Olympics, we are going to be putting £1bn into grassroots sport, which is quite a significant commitment. We’re obviously always looking to use that money more effectively” he said.
COUNTING THE CASH: - Funding facts
- The UK government funds three main sporting bodies: UK Sport, The Youth Sport Trust and Sport England
- During 2006-07, Sport England’s income was £259m, a £41m reduction from 2005-06 – source – Sport England annual report 2006-07
- Sport England’s Lottery income was £132m, £61m less than the previous year – source - Sport England annual report 2006-07
- 2007-08 will see Sport England’s Lottery income fall further, to £126m – source – Evidence given before the Parliamentary Media, Culture and Sport select committee – January 2008
Taking a pounding: Grassroots sport is set to lose money as 2012 approachesRead the full evidence given before the Parliamentary Culture, Media and Sport Committee in January 2008...