Billion pound injection to bolster British sport

LONDON - The British are not just beating New Zealand on the water and on the track but also sports budgeting with the revelation today of a Stg1 billion ($NZ3.56 billion) injection for sport two years out from the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

New Zealand picked up more gold medals than Britain in Atlanta four years ago and Tony Blair's government has increased its support of sport in recent years.

Record-breaking Olympic rowing gold medallist Steve Redgrave hailed the British government's drive to encourage sport in schools, as Britain's answer to Australia's Institute of Sport.

The government's move is designed to ensure all schools had access to sports pitches and competitive fixtures.

British government sources tonight said the move, to be officially announced over the next few days as Labour holds its party conference in Brighton, would involve Stg750 million of National Lottery money to increase the number of pitches and sports centres, Stg60 million of government cash to employ 1000 more school sports coordinators, and Stg24 million of government funding to increase the number of sports colleges from a planned 110 to 150.

Redgrave, who today won his fifth successive rowing gold medal, said Britain must encourage youngsters to be keen about sport, which has been neglected in schools for too long.

``I welcome this new money which will help our future Olympians.''

British Prime Minister Tony Blair ordered the school sports blitz, which will take in all areas of the UK, after hearing first hand from French President Jacques Chirac of his country's investment in grassroots sport.

Mr Blair believes that has helped France's recent prowess, including the soccer World Cup and being the leading European medal winner at the Sydney games.

The cash should also boost Britain's chances on dominating the medal haul at the Commonwealth Games which open in Manchester on July 24, 2002.

- NZPA