Great Britain’s Artistic Swimming programme (formerly Synchronised Swimming) has been given a huge boost thanks to a share of the government’s new £3 million Aspiration Fund.
The fund, announced in October by former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch, is to support Olympic and Paralympic sports that do not currently receive full UK Sport funding, to support athletes to qualify for Tokyo 2020 and to deliver an inspirational impact.
Commenting on the successful bid, British Swimming Chief Executive, Jack Buckner said: “This is wonderful news for the sport of Artistic Swimming in Great Britain. The current programme has made huge steps forward in recent years with ever-improving results and rankings, and this additional financial support will enable the athletes to continue to strive towards the Olympic Games.
“We are grateful as ever for the continued support from UK Sport and the government, that enables us to further develop and promote aquatic sports in this country”.
Karen Thorpe, Artistic Swimming lead, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from UK Sport, which will strengthen our progress to the Olympic Games.
“The funding will help us to access support services and enable the athletes to work with professionals in strength and conditioning, nutrition and psychology. It will also enhance the elite training environment and give the athletes the very best opportunity to qualify and reach our target at the Games.
“The artistic swimming community is encouraged by the support of the national governing body and UK Sport, and we are determined to make them proud. The athletes see this as a milestone towards qualifying for the Games, and are working hard to be ambassadors to the sport and to all young people training across the country in various sports to achieve their dreams.”“The Artistic Swimming programme will receive £192,500 from UK Sport through to the Olympic Games in 2020. During this time, British Swimming will work closely with Swim England to ensure an inspirational impact is delivered alongside qualification for the Tokyo Games.”
George Wood, Swim England Sport Development Director, said: “We are delighted that Artistic Swimming has been awarded this grant from the Aspiration Fund. This reflects the dedication and determination of the Artistic Swimming staff, volunteers and community who have continued to push the sport forward during the past few years.
“Swim England looks forward to continuing to support British Swimming and inspiring future generations through our new Synchro City programme, using the Olympic journey to raise awareness, engage, and celebrate the sport