A chance for masters athletes to give their feedback on the funding for UK Sport before 10 December
Written by Bridget Cushen on 23/11/2014
Let your voice be heard before 10 December.
UK Sport is responsible for the distribution of public funds to Olympic sports; they currently have no remit for any Masters/Veteran sport. Following the London Olympics, some sports like Basketball, Hockey, Judo and Swimming that were deemed not to have met their medal target, lost their grant or had their funding cut. Team sports in particular complained bitterly as these are Community sports that needed cash to continue and encourage youngsters etc.
UK Sport is now reviewing their funding policy post the 2016 Olympics and is carrying out a Survey amongst grassroots sport.
We are responding as a Federation outlining the need to recognise Masters; lack of any funding; need to reach wider audience, need for Coaches for older people returning to sport etc. etc. We are asking our Clubs and you as members to also respond.
- Do you compete so that you can inspire the young athletes you coach?
- Set an example to your children/grandchildren?
- Passionately wish to keep fit and healthy all your life?
- Are you a parent and finding it difficult to fund travelling to our Championships, paying entry fees to a gym or track?
- Are there training facilities local to you or do you have to travel miles? If you are retired or doing shift work are you able to access these facilities when you wish?
- You may be a current World/European Champion or an Age Group Record holder but could not possibly contemplate travelling to World/European Championships
- Do you have a talented child? Did he/she take up the sport because of your example, lifestyle?
- Does your Spouse/children participate in any physical activity?
- Would you definitely compete, and encourage others to do likewise, if Cardiff won the Bid to host the 2018 World Masters Track & Field Championships.
We would like as many of you as possible to fill in this Survey. You can download it from www.uksport.gov.uk/consultation.
Please study the two downloadable Papers and email your completed form to UK Sport by 10 December.