SportsAid’s fundraising efforts get two-year boost from Sport England

Sport England is continuing its long history of support for SportsAid’s fundraising efforts by awarding £660,000 to the charity over the next two years.

The award will enable the charity to continue its long track record of raising money from the private sector to give talented young athletes the financial support they need to stay in sport and achieve their ambitions.

Welcoming the news, SportsAid’s chief executive Tim Lawler said, “Support from Sport England is a vital enabler. This commitment provides the platform for SportsAid to attract and deliver help to the next generation of the nation's sporting heroes. We couldn't do this without Sport England and they've been shoulder-to-shoulder with SportsAid for nearly 40 years, ever since the charity was established in 1976."

Sport England’s director of sport Phil Smith said, “For an aspiring athlete, SportsAid’s help can make all the difference. It’s not just about money – the recognition that comes with a SportsAid award can give emerging athletes the self-belief to take their performance to the next level.”

The athletes who benefit from SportsAid’s support are among the best in the country for their age but almost entirely self-funded. In an effort to secure funding for them, their sports nominate an agreed number to SportsAid every autumn so the charity can reach out to its network and fundraise on their behalf.

After receiving a SportsAid Award last year, 400m hurdler Stanley Livingston said, “SportsAid has been essential to me. Without it the financial pressure would have eventually become overwhelming and I may have stopped competing.”

In 2014 SportsAid helped more than 1,400 athletes like Stanley and the charity is currently fundraising for another 1,300 who have already been nominated for 2015.

Tim Lawler added, “If you want to give these inspirational young people a helping hand when they need it most, and play your part in their journey, please contact SportsAid today to get involved - it will make a big difference to their futures.”

Past recipients include Sir Steve Redgrave, David Weir CBE, Mo Farah CBE, Dame Sarah Storey, Jessica Ennis-Hill CBE, Ellie Simmonds OBE, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Ade Adepitan MBE, Sir Ben Ainslie, Jonnie Peacock MBE and Tom Daley. At London 2012, almost two-thirds of the British team were former – and in a few cases current – recipients of SportsAid’s support, winning 20 Olympic and 27 Paralympic gold medals between them.