Mo Farah backs schools sports boost (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Mo Farah backs Richmond's £375k schools sports boost

10:02am Friday 22nd March 2013 in News

Mo Farah has welcomed sports funding intended to improve primary school PE provision – of which Richmond will get £376,300.

Primary school sport across the country is set to be transformed thanks to £150m-a-year that will improve coaching for the youngest pupils and inspire the Olympic and Paralympic stars of the future.

Double Olympic champion, Mo Farah CBE, who trained at St Mary’s University, said: “It is great to see a commitment to funding school sport and that it is something I passionately believe in. I am very excited to know that lots of children will be able to get involved in sport while at school and get more help from teachers and coaches. It really is very important.”

As part of the scheme, a lump sum will be awarded to each school, with a per-pupil top-up.

A typical primary school with 250 primary aged pupils would receive £9,250 per year. This is the equivalent of about two days a week of a primary teacher or a coach’s time – enough to make sure every pupil in the school can do sport with a specialist. 　　　

David Cameron said: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games marked an incredible year for this country and I will always be proud that we showed the world what Britain can do.

“I want to ensure the Games count for the future too and that means capitalising on the inspiration young people took from what they saw during those summer months.

“With this new approach to sport, we can create a culture in our schools that encourages all children to be active and enjoy sport, and helps foster the aspirations of future Olympians and Paralympians.”