London Mayor launches £4m scheme to boost sports participation

MAYOR of London Boris Johnson has launched a new £4m sport fund aimed at increasing sports participation - a key premise of the London 2012 Olympic bid.

NEW SCHEME: Mayor of London Boris Johnson launches new scheme to increase sports participation

Mr Johnson laid out three key intentions of the scheme - to boost sports participation, to help tackle a range of social issues from crime to unemployment and community development.

Increased sports participation was seen as fundamental to London 2012 organisers and by the government to realising their legacy goals of the Games.

Sports and Olympics minister Hugh Robertson has been keen to shy away from the previous tangible targets laid down of having one million more people active in sport by 2013.

But in setting out his revised sports legacy plans, which include bringing Sport England, UK Sport and the Youth Sport Trust under one roof, he was adamant increased sports participation was a key priority.

Funding applications for the scheme are open on October 1, 2010 with £50,000 - £250,000 being awarded to winning projects over the next two years, and Mr Johnson reiterated the need to capitalise on the benefits available from the London 2012 Olympics.

He said: "The beauty of sport is its ability to get people together from all backgrounds to join in positive activity. 

"As well as helping young people stay healthy, it can provide immense mental stimulation and as such help tackle issues such as crime, educational underachievement and a lack of community cohesion.

"With the greatest sporting spectacular, the 2012 Games, soon upon us, we must not lose sight of our promise to deliver a genuine grass-roots sporting legacy for all Londoners, including those who need our help the most.

"I want to support projects that help bring positive change to communities - from using sport to discipline and motivate vulnerable youngsters, to yoga classes for isolated older people that re-ignite neighbourly spirit.

"I am confident we will have a marvellous response, with projects reflective of the inspiration, innovation and passion that Londoners have in spades.

"Our Olympic and Paralympic legacy will come from supporting these kind of projects and I am excited by the potential for real change that this fund will unlock."