PRESS RELEASE ISSUED AS INTERNAL INFORMATION

UK Sport has today announced the funding it will provide to Paralympic sports in the approach to Beijing and beyond - with athletics set to benefit from a large influx of additional lottery support.

Following the announcement made at UK Sport head quarters this morning, athletics will receive an additional amount in excess of £300,000 a year to ensure that the World Class disability athletes continue receive the support required to scoop up the medals in Paralympic Games.

This is a huge increase that UK Athletics Performance Director Dave Collins has already earmarked for specific use within the performance section.

“I am absolutely delighted with this additional funding outlined by UK Sport.

“The additional funding means we can increase our level of coaching support for our world class programme, and ensure that our athletes receive the full time coaching required by world class performers.

“I believe it sends out a clear message to our world class disability athletes that not only are they expected to perform at that world class level, but that they will be fully backed by a system that values their performance and achievements.”

The funding announcement is the perfect news for recently appointed Senior Performance Manager for disability Tim Jones - whose appointment was announced yesterday by UK Athletics.

Jones said: “With the increase that has been announced, lack of funding can no longer be an excuse for under-performing.

“This will enable us to work closely with coaches and athletes to ensure they fulfil their potential.”

Jones, who will join UK Athletics from his current role in British Swimming, takes up his post overseeing disability athletes on the World Class Pathway in September

26^th July 2006