Moynihan Says British Sport to Be Transformed

(ATR) The chairman of the British Olympic Association says that London 2012 will transform the face of British sport.

Colin Moynihan was speaking to reporters on the final day of the Games when he praised the home nation’s performance. Team GB has won more medals than it has in more than 100 years.

"I believe that the face of British sport will be transformed by London 2012. These Games will transform women’s sport in particular – there will be more participation, more representation on sports bodies."

Moynihan also welcomed the pledge from Prime Minister David Cameron that $196 million would be allocated annually to fund Olympic sport in the run-up to Rio 2016.

He added: "We have to translate the performances into sports participation. We owe it to the team to guarantee a sports legacy."

Moynihan also reiterated his desire to see GB’s success capitalized upon through more government investment in sport.

However, he also noted that corporate funding would be required for rugby and golf, which come into the Olympic program in Rio but are not eligible for state funding.

Moynihan also had a sly dig at the presence of various British politicians at many of the Olympic events in the past two weeks."I notice politicians have enjoyed these Games – I understand why Roman emperors were in favor of annual Games" he said.

Written and reported in London by Christian Radnedge.

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