UK Sport revealed in its first quarterly audit that of the 27 sports and disciplines receiving new or additional funding, 20 have completed Stage 1 of its funding triggers in full, meaning they are in position to receive 100 per cent of their award over the next quarter. 

Of the other seven only three are currently ineligible for any funding, as they have either still to resolve their GB performance governance structure or have outstanding issues on existing awards. 

“For many sports the past three months have been the first steps on a long and challenging Olympic journey, but they have responded excellently," said John Steele, chief executive of UK Sport. "It is essential we get funding flowing through directly to the sports and athletes as quickly as possible, if we are to see the quantum leap in performance required to meet our goals. 

 

"But we must equally ensure that the money is not wasted – huge amounts of public funds are being invested and our job is to challenge the sports to spend it to maximum effect.

 

 

 

“The good news is that all the hard work is paying off.  We’re delighted that many sports with no history of managing such sums, like handball, have passed the first stage of the triggers test.  And while not yet in full receipt of their awards, some sports – such as hockey – have moved mountains to get to where they are now, with an agreed lead GB structure and performance plan for the full Olympic cycle in place for the very first time.

“It shows that we were right to put the funding triggers in place.  We would not be where we are now without such an objective and robust way of determining progress.”

Of the 27 sports or disciplines UK Sport is working with, 20 are due to receive 100 per cent of funding over the next quarter - having demonstrated their ability to meet the Funding Triggers. These include "new" sports to the world class system such as handball, volleyball, and water polo, and sports such as table tennis that are receiving UK Sport funding for the first time. 

Synchronised swimming will receive a 50 per cent award for the second quarter while work continues on their new performance plan. UK Sport expects no significant obstacles to progress.

Weightlifting has received an initial payment but further funding is now conditional on the sport meeting a number of governance conditions. 

Both boxing and hockey have recently confirmed that their performance governance arrangements giving the English body full delegated responsibility on GB performance matters.

 

Both are eligible to receive their first payment and hockey is making good progress with the Stage 1 Funding Triggers, with all home nations committed to GB performance planning over the Beijing Olympiad.

 

There are some governance risks to be addressed with boxing and so funds will be made available on an as need basis while these are addressed and interim athlete personal awards will not be held back. 

Shooting has yet to receive any additional funding due to outstanding conditions on their original 2005-2009 investment award. 
 
The two sports currently behind in agreeing their GB structure are badminton and basketball.  Badminton meets at the end of August and is close to agreeing the structure.

 

UK Sport is also supporting GB Basketball and the new British Basketball Federation in the resolution of their current disagreement, while seeking ways to ensure that the athlete performance in September’s European Championships is not adversely affected. 

“We are set for a crucial summer of international competition across our Olympic sports, as performance in a world or European championships will give us all a sense of how things are shaping up for 2008 in particular," said Liz Nicholl, UK Sport's director of performance.

“There are no hiding places in Olympic sport now – we can no longer blame a lack of resources. The 2012 mission is a challenging one that requires a full commitment from athletes and everyone in a support role.”