Winter Olympics 2010 - Cold Shoulder for Winter Sports

Cold shoulder for winter sports

I’m sure you all know that the Winter Olympics get under way in Vancouver on Friday.


Britain will be there, of course, with 14 skiers and snowboarders taking part in competitions we don’t excel in but in which, true to the Olympian ideal, we will compete because we can.


A bit unfortunate then that the governing body of our intrepid winter sportspeople, Snowsport GB, has gone bust.


Last month Snowsport GB said it needed £200,000 to carry on. No money turned up so the organisation went into administration.


In stepped the British Olympic Association to pay for our teams to go to Vancouver. Well done.


But what happens after the games is a bit up in the air. Talks are planned to see what can be done.


As Olympian officials gather to discuss, among other things, the summer games and London’s 2012 progress it’s a pity that some of the cash from those preparations couldn’t be directed to our snow sporters.


The alternative, of course, is that we abandon all hope of competing in snow-based events because we probably won’t win anything anyway.


I don’t agree.


Anyone with talent who passes the required standard to compete in major competitions in any sport, anywhere should be allowed to do so and if they represent their country their training, coaching, travel and living expenses should be paid – in full.


I feel better now.


Allowing a governing body to go bust on the eve of its major showcase and when we’re trying to present an impression of efficiency and excellent money-management with regard to 2012 is folly.