National Lottery funding
The biggest supporter of our Olympians and Paralympians are the players of The National Lottery.
The good causes funding has been a game changer for Welsh sport for almost 30 years, supporting our top athletes so they can train full-time, have access to the world’s best coaches and benefit from pioneering sports science and medical support.
The National Lottery also supports the community clubs that nurture young talents as well as world-class sporting facilities such as the Geraint Thomas Velodrome in Newport and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
As Aled Davies – who has won three golds, a silver and a bronze over four Paralympic Games – says:
“Without the support of The National Lottery, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I’ve achieved. It has allowed me to progress, push that world record up every year and now I’ve taken the sport to a place that no one ever thought. It’s down to the amazing support of The National Lottery and all the amazing players out there.”
Inspiring the next generation
Our stars of Paris are fuelling the dreams of young people. How many children watched the sporting drama unfold and decide, “That’s what I want to do”?
And of course, it’s not just about inspiring the next generation of Olympians and Paralympians, it’s sparking an enthusiasm to get on your bike, get in the pool, to run fast or just try something new.
Ed Davies is the club secretary at Towy Riders in Carmarthen; the club where it all started for golden girl Emma Finucane. He says the Paris effect is undeniable:
“We’ve definitely had more enquiries from parents whose children have watched the Games and want to give cycling a go. Our junior members have been tremendously excited – they’ve been blown away to see what a girl who came through the club has achieved on the world’s biggest stage.”
