Mayor of London Announces Heavy Investment into Grass-roots Sports in City

July 15, 2011

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced that over US$19 million will be invested into grass-roots sports projects in the English capital.

The move will see Johnson hit his target of channelling US$48m into sport ahead of the next summer’s London 2012 Games. 

The Mayor revealed plans to award grants from his Sports Legacy Fund to 14 large scale sports participation projects and 26 community facilities.

Johnson said: “From hockey in Hillingdon to karate in Kingston, we are storming ahead to revamp facilities and increase sports participation across the board.

“This investment, which sees some hugely important match funding being pledged, is fantastic news for Londoners of all ages and abilities from across the city.

“I am absolutely clear that to create a lasting legacy from the London Games, we must do all we can to get people out of their living rooms and into physical activity.”

Minister for Sport and the Olympics Hugh Robertson said: “The bid to bring the Olympics to London was built on the back of a promise that it would leave a lasting sporting legacy and inspire a generation to get involved in sport.

“This investment by the Mayor of London and others will offer hundreds of thousands of people of all abilities across the capital that opportunity.”

The Mayor’s Commissioner for Sport Kate Hoey added: “The projects we are announcing today all have the potential to make a real difference to the lives of ordinary people.

“For me, they are what hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games is all about.

“New facilities, fresh sporting opportunities and free sports coaching right across London – this really is legacy in action.

“I am hugely grateful for the Mayor’s ongoing commitment to this cause and I also want to pay tribute to all the fantastic people who volunteer their time and dedicate their lives to bringing the great joy of sport to their fellow Londoners.”