GB Snowsport loses UK Sport funding channel amid governance review

UK Sport will no longer channel its £12.5 million investment in skiing and snowboarding through the governing body, GB Snowsport. Instead, the organization will find a new method to deliver the funds to athletes and coaches before the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. This decision follows a period of success for Team GB at the recent Winter Olympics, where they secured five medals, including three golds.

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Competition across Olympic and Paralympic winter sport is only getting stronger, which is why it's more important than ever that we invest where we can have the biggest impact.

UK Sport has informed all funded snowsport athletes about the change, assuring them that their grants will continue to be paid directly. An independent review into the governance of GB Snowsport will be established. This move comes six months after Team GB achieved its most successful Winter Olympics performance, with notable victories in events like the snowboard cross mixed team competition.

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It is also why we are not afraid of driving the change needed to give our athletes the very best chance of success.

The funding is part of a larger, record investment exceeding £33 million for winter sports over the next four-year cycle. Kate Baker, director of performance and people at UK Sport, emphasized the need to invest strategically to maximize impact amid increasing competition. She stated that UK Sport is prepared to drive necessary changes to ensure athletes have the best chance of success.

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disappointed

GB Snowsport expressed disappointment but pledged to continue working with UK Sport, while reserving the right to explore all options to protect recent achievements. The organization has experienced leadership instability, with two chair changes in three years and an ongoing search for a new chair. An interim chair is currently in place. GB Snowsport maintains that its governance standards are strong, citing a recent independent review funded by UK Sport.

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we reserve the right to keep all options open to ensure that the achievements of the past four years are not lost