UK Sport has announced that the British Athletes Commission (BAC) will receive a significant funding increase for this Olympic and Paralympic cycle.
Funding for the BAC from UK Sport has nearly doubled since the last cycle with the Commission now in receipt of £1.83million ahead of the Beijing and Paris Games. The increase in funding will ensure that the BAC is resourced to meet its core responsibilities in this cycle and can build on the considerable progress it has made in recent years.
The BAC is focused on providing its membership of 1400 athletes with independent, world-class advice and comprehensive, professional support across a variety of areas as well as ensuring their collective voice is listened to and used to influence future decision making.
Sally Munday, CEO at UK Sport, said: “We are delighted to be investing more than ever before into the British Athletes Commission as our high-performance community gets ready for the next two Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing and Paris.
“As proven in Tokyo, British athletes are amazing ambassadors and advocates for societal issues such as mental wellbeing, equality, diversity and sustainability and it is important that we continue to invest into the BAC to ensure those athletes voices are heard. Thank you for the continued support of the National Lottery players to allow British athletes to fulfil their full potential.
“Our mission contains a clear commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity and athlete welfare. We look forward to continuing to support the BAC in providing the very best for all athletes.”
Vicki Aggar, Chair of the BAC, said: “The BAC is grateful to receive this funding award from UK Sport for the next Olympic and Paralympic cycle. The increase in investment will allow us to effectively respond to current demand for our services, as well as build upon our existing capabilities to introduce a greater breadth of service and support to our athletes.
“This will ensure that we are able to continue the progress with regards to athlete welfare in British sport, which we are proud to be at the heart of.”