Lottery Funding Supports British Olympians Heading to Rio
Last Updated: Thursday 24th September 2020, 11:05
With less than a year to go until the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, closely followed by Paralympics in September of next year, British athletes are hard at work preparing for the world’s greatest sporting event thanks to lottery funding. Big names like heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill, boxer Nicola Adams and wheelchair rugby player Steve Brown are ready to head for Brazil next summer as they seek to build on the legacy they created at London 2012.
The money allocated to UK Sport from the Good Causes Fund - approximately 20 percent of the total amount raised through ticket sales - directly helps runners, swimmers, cyclists and other athletes as they pursue their dreams of Olympic or Paralympic gold. They are given access to the world’s best coaches in their sport as well as cutting-edge training and medical support. Lottery cash unlocks the doors of incredible training facilities, where they can hone their skills and reach their full potential.
All told, a Podium-level athlete can receive between £36,000 and £60,000 in support each year, while athletes with incredible potential and the drive to finish at the top can receive anywhere from £23,000 to £40,000 worth of training and support.
When you pick up a scratchcard or buy tickets for Lotto, EuroMillions or Thunderball, you fund more than just your own dreams of success - you contribute to the goals and hopes of over 1,300 British Olympians and Paralympians. Your next chance to pad out your bank account while helping sport in the UK will come tonight as Lotto offers a jackpot worth an estimated £2 million. You can purchase entries online or run, jump, swim or cycle to your local authorised retailer to buy tickets in person. Good luck and have fun!