The Facts
SportsAid, The Charity for Sport, is an independent national charity that does not receive government or lottery funding for its charitable work.

For 25 years, we have encouraged and given support to sporting talents, in both able bodied and disabled disciplines.

To date we have distributed in the region of £20 million to thousands of sportsmen and women.

SportsAid funds individuals in over 55 able-bodied sports and 25 disabled sports, ranging archery to athletics, rugby to roller hockey.

In England we have 10 regional branches supporting the work of the national head quarters, as well as sister organisations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The Present
Individuals - Today, SportsAid’s main activity is to encourage young and disabled talent in sport, giving individuals support, on the basis of their talent and need.  Those we help, are like you, from a variety of backgrounds and communities - most are in some way socially, physically or environmentally disadvantaged.  Every one helped has a genuine financial need and talent that we just can’t ignore or leave to waste!

Communities - Increasingly, SportsAid is actively providing opportunities for young people within communities, to experience the lessons and thrills of sport.  In schools we have brought sports that young people have never tried before.  In communities, particularly where facilities are lacking, we have brought coaching, equipment and the opportunity to learn about and enjoy a variety of sports.

Campaigns and Fundraising
At SportsAid we are just mad about sport and want you to have an opportunity to experience and develop through sport.  This year we celebrate our 25th anniversary and have launched a new exciting fundraising campaign 2001: The Sports Odyssey to help bring more young talent to the fore.  Our target is £5 million.

We know that there are thousands of you with talent that are neither encouraged or supported enough in many spheres, not only sport.  SportsAid aims to provide greater opportunities to try different sports and we want to use our £5 million fundraising target, to give three groups of young people a sporting chance:

Blossoming - these young people already stand out, but need so much more help because of their circumstances

Hidden -  a lack of facilities or opportunities limit the opportunities of many young people to even try some sports.  Their talent doesn’t get the chance to be noticed

Misguided - a lack of facilities in poorer areas often leads to the next best popular sport, crime.  We want to give the talents that live within some of our most deprived areas, an opportunity to use their ability to shine and turn away from crime.

Young or old, teacher or student -  If you are as mad about sport as SportsAid and want to make a contribution to our Odyssey, then like an infamous sporting saying, “Just do it”.  You or your school can help by raising funds for SportsAid.  Sports themed activities work best and can really be both fun and a challenge. Any - athon (eg swim-athon), sports quizzes, fitness challenges or tournaments can be a great way to raise funds.  The wackier the better.  Remember sport is and should be fun!

The Past
Until recent years our work helped both established and aspiring talents.  In effect SportsAid helped nurture and assist some of Britain’s most inspirational heroes, such as Steve Redgrave, Jonathon Edwards and Denise Lewis.  However changes to our work were brought about by the introduction of National Lottery Sports Fund and today, all of the above would qualify for Lottery assistance.  Clearly, the function of SportsAid at senior level (non-charitable activities) is no longer necessary.  This change has been a great opportunity for us to concentrate time and resources into our charitable work with young and disabled talent; providing them with the opportunity to blossom.

Contact Us
SportsAid, The Charity for Sport
15 Pratt Mews
London
NW1  0AD

email: enquiries@sportsaid.org.uk
Tel: 020 7387 9380
Fax: 020 7380 0283
Registered Charity No: 286917

www.sportsaid.org.uk