Sport England aims to build on Olympic success
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28th August 2008
SPORT ENGLAND hope that the success of Britain's cyclists in Beijing, who won eight gold medals, including two for Bradley Wiggins (pictured), has given a big boost to its aim to get a million more people doing sport by London 2012.
Jason Kenny and Steve Burke, who both won gold medals in Beijing as part of the sprint and pursuit teams respectively, both started in the Sports England funded Go-Ride development programme.
Last year more than 50,000 children received coaching through the scheme which focuses on young riders and clubs and improving links between schools and clubs.
In addition, the Everyday Cycling programme has boosted participation in the sport by 56 per cent since 2006.
British Cycling's chief executive, Peter King, said: "Our Olympic successes have been built in tandem with programmes, supported by Sport England, to increase participation in our great sport.
"Our philosophy is simple.
"The more people that get on a bike, the more talented individuals we will be able to unearth and nurture on the road to success.
"We have proved in Beijing the incredible results we can achieve with those athletes who've got the talent, dedication and determination to compete at the highest level."
Sport England also fund programme in rowing and sailing, the other two sports that Britain were most successful in Beijing.
Jennie Price, Sport England's chief executive, said: "The athletes who have contributed to Britain's best Olympic performance for a hundred years have inspired the whole nation.
"Our responsibility now is to build on their achievements by working with the sports to create a world leading network of clubs, coaches and volunteers.
"We need to provide better sporting opportunities in every community so that everyone can fulfil their potential and each sport can unearth the Olympic champions of the future.
"This will ensure that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games delivers a sustained increase in participation."