23 August 2010
London Mayor Boris Johnson today pledged £4m of funding for sports projects that help tackle crime, unemployment and other social problems in the capital.
Between £50,000 and £250,000 will be available for organisations running physical activities that bring about positive change in the community. Examples might include sports courses to help discipline or motivate vulnerable youngsters, including those with drug or alcohol problems, and yoga classes for elderly people living in isolation.
Johnson said: ‘The beauty of sport is its ability to get people together from all backgrounds to join in positive activity. As well as helping young people stay healthy, it can provide immense mental stimulation and help tackle issues such as crime, educational underachievement and a lack of community cohesion.’
The money will also be used to increase participation in sport in general in the run-up to the London Olympics in 2012. Kate Hoey, the mayor’s sports commissioner, said: ‘This fund will provide investment for those projects that really make a difference at the grassroots – projects run for the community that genuinely target local needs; and are focused on getting London’s huge population of inactive people back on to their feet and back into sport.’
Bidding for funding will run from today until October 1.
