The Olympics cost was in the news again today after the London Assembly’s culture and sport committee warned of the harm that was likely to be caused by diverting £440 million from Lottery good causes to the Olympics.
CAARE has always opposed the use of Lottery funds for the Olympics and it is undoubtedly the case that the money diverted will hurt grass roots sports and arts organisations. It is even more concerning that this comes as falling ticket sales continue to affect the amount of money available to good causes.
The Olympics are an excellent opportunity to inspire young children with examples of sporting excellence. But it will go to wate unless this enthusiasm is fostered by grass roots schemes. It would a terrible shame if children are inspired by the Olympics, only to find that there is nowhere to go because their local sports infrastructure has been deprived of funding.
The London Assembly report can be downloaded at: http://www.london.gov.uk/assembly/reports/econsd.jsp