As the UK's winter sport athletes compete in Turin and speculation continues as to the nature and timing of any Government announcement of additional funding for 2012, UK Sport has received strong backing from those at the sharp end of Olympic and Paralympic preparation.
John Derbyshire chairs the Performance Directors' Forum, an independent group comprised of the PDs from all the main Olympic and Paralympic sports. He is also the Performance Director of the Royal Yachting Association, and is the man responsible for the elite programme of our most successful Olympic sport.
He says: "In recent days I have read some ill-informed criticism of the way that funding and support is given to high performance sport in this country. I have to say such a view is not shared by those responsible for delivering it. The Performance Directors of Olympic and Paralympic sport are collectively supportive of UK Sport, and the approach it takes. It is absolutely the right organisation to be leading this country's high performance strategy as we head towards first Beijing and then the enormous challenge presented by London 2012 . UK Sport provides support services and expertise on the basis of a logical, accountable and well thought through approach .
"What we support in particular is the 'no compromise' investment strategy developed by UK Sport and the model that underpins it. Indeed the Performance Directors' Forum was instrumental in its creation. Targeting limited resources at those sports and athletes most likely to win medals at future Games is the most meritocratic route we can take. That is the basis of the model for 2012, but it also builds in the potential for support to be given to those sports looking to increase their competitiveness as well, ensuring that all sports can maximise the opportunities a home Games provide.
"Like everyone in sport, I am extremely anxious that there be a swift resolution to the decision on what additional funding will be made available. Once the resources are known, those of us at the sharp end of Olympic and Paralympic preparations will then work closely with UK Sport to ensure that money is spent as wisely and productively as possible."