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Mayor gives 2012 hopefuls £1,000 grant
Katharine Barney10.02.09
Thirty Olympic hopefuls have received grants of £1,000.
Boris Johnson was joined by Dame Kelly Holmes and Beijing gymnastics medallist Louis Smith to meet the aspiring stars.
The Mayor provided the same funding last year and has pledged to fund another 30 young people later this year. The athletes were chosen by charity SportsAid.
Mr Johnson said: "I'm proud to be investing in London's future Olympic stars.
"I hope these training grants will help them perform at the highest level."
The athletes, aged 14-23, compete in sports including swimming, judo, hockey, rowing and wheelchair basketball.
Reader views (3)
With respect to the previous posters taking such a narrow minded view on this intiative and the Olympics in general seems to miss the point. The young people in question are striving to excel in sport and make something of their lives and it is right that they should be supported. To call the Olympics, the single biggest event, sporting or otherwise, a debacle shows a major lack of understanding regarding the tangible benefits it will bring to the entire country. I for one am pleased City Hall is supporting these young athletes and will join millions of others in cheering them on at the 2012 Games.
- Geoff, London
A waste of council taxpayers money.
- Maggie, London
I'm pleased to say I wont be watching a single event of this debacle in three years time.Hopefuls masquerading as 'Brits' only achieving in events that are loosely related to sport.
- Eddie, London
