Ahead of 2028 Games
UK Sport, the funding body for elite athletics in the UK, has revealed that it will allocate a historic £330 million to support British Olympic and Paralympic sports in preparation for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. This substantial investment marks a significant increase aimed at enhancing the performance of athletes across more than 50 different sports.
Funding Breakdown and Impact
Among the beneficiaries, five new sports have been included for the 2028 Games: baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, Para-climbing, and squash, all of which will receive dedicated funding to help them prepare for the international stage. However, athletics has experienced a budget reduction for the second consecutive cycle, with its funding dropping to £20.5 million from £22.2 million allocated for the Paris 2024 Games. Canoeing also faced a cut, with its budget decreasing by over £500,000 to £12.5 million.
Sally Munday, the chief executive of UK Sport, emphasized that the funding decisions were based on an evaluation of each sport’s potential. In an interview with the BBC, she stated, “UK Athletics will receive in excess of £30 million for the Olympic and Paralympic programmes, and we believe that will significantly benefit their athletes as they prepare for Los Angeles.”
Strategic Planning and Community Inspiration
The funding announcement follows over a year of strategic planning, during which UK Sport collaborated with various sports organizations to discuss performance strategies, aspirations for the upcoming Games, and specific financial needs. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that athletes not only excel in Los Angeles but also foster inspiration and a positive impact on communities across the UK.
The British public holds Olympic and Paralympic sports in high regard, with over 80% expressing pride in the performances of Team GB and ParalympicsGB at the Paris 2024 Games. The investments made will enable athletes to continue delivering remarkable achievements, thereby inspiring future generations.
Responses from Sports Leaders
Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, expressed disappointment regarding the funding cuts, particularly in light of the organization’s success in securing ten medals at the World Championships in 2023 and the Olympics. He argued that such achievements warranted a higher level of investment.
Meanwhile, the British Basketball Federation has entered a new phase with a funding award of £2.925 million, aimed primarily at developing the 3x3 format of the sport, demonstrating UK Sport's commitment to evolving sporting disciplines.
The funding plan for the 2028 Games underscores UK Sport’s dedication to fostering long-term success across a diverse array of sports and supporting a wider range of champions and medalists. With these preparations underway, all eyes will be on the athletes as they strive for excellence on the world stage in Los Angeles.
Zainab Y.
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