SportsAid has been providing funding to young British sportsmen and women aged between 12 to 18-years-old who aspire to be the next Olympic, Paralympic or world champions since 1976, and are aiming to build on the success of British athletes such as Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee (pictured top) at last year's Games.

"It is fantastic to see people getting behind the next generation as a result of London 2012," said Baroness Tanni, winner of 11 Paralympic gold medals.

"SportsAid helped me when I was coming through and I know how important it is to get that recognition and support.

"You have to make some big sacrifices to be an aspiring athlete and I think London 2012 has opened people's eyes to that.

"I hope we can use this to keep up the support through Glasgow [2014 Commonwealth Games] next year and then onto Rio and beyond."


SportsAid works with the governing bodies of around 70 sports and at London 2012 almost two-thirds of the British team were former recipients of SportsAid's support, winning 20 of Team GB's 29 gold medals and 27 of ParalympicsGB's 34 gold medals.

Data from the SportsAid Athlete Survey 2012, which surveyed over 800 young athletes, revealed that 98 per cent of the athletes it supports were inspired by London 2012 but that the cost of their sport remains the single greatest barrier to their progression.

"Most of the athletes we help are still at school but they are already training more than 15 hours a week and travelling more than 600 miles a month," said chief executive Tim Lawler.

"On average they spend more than £6,000 ($9100/€6853) a year on their sport and this can be a huge burden on a family, which is why SportsAid steps in to give them a helping hand.

"We are very proud to have supported so many young people since London 2012 but we can always do more, so I would urge people who want to be part of this living legacy for British sport to get in touch and help tomorrow's heroes today."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related Stories
November 2011: Northern Ireland teenage sprinter chosen as one to watch by SportsAid
October 2011: SportsAid shortlists 13 to follow Tom Daley and Jodie Williams as One-to-Watch