London 2012 Paralympic Games receives National Lottery funding boost

By Tom Degun

December 4 - The London 2012 Paralympic Games have received a major funding boost after the National Lottery confirmed their grant of £66 million ($103 million/€77 million) for the competition as part of the overall Public Sector Funding package.

As part of the public funds already agreed in the bid commitment, the grant money will contribute towards costs which include transitioning London 2012 sporting venues from Olympic to Paralympic mode.

"This demonstrates the significance of Paralympic sport in the world today," said Olympic Lottery Distributor chair Dame Janet Paraskeva.

"We are pleased to have helped to fund the London Paralympic Games."

In total, up to £2.2 billion ($3.4 billion/€2.5 billion) of Lottery funding is being invested in venues and infrastructure for London 2012, as well as supporting around 1,200 elite athletes to benefit from world class coaching and support.

"The Paralympic Games will bring inspiration and excitement to the UK and London next year and the public will get to witness sport like never before," added London 2012 director of Paralympic Integration Chris Holmes.

"Support from organisations like the Olympic Lottery Distributor will help us deliver the best Paralympic Games possible."

The London 2012 Paralympics will take place from August 29 to September 9 and feature around 4,200 athletes, including South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius, British swimmer Ellie Simmonds and Australian wheelchair racing legend Kurt Fearnley.

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