What we do
about SportsAid
SportsAid, previously known as SportsAid Foundation (SAF), was founded in 1976. Its principal function was to raise funds from the private sector to provide financial assistance to Britain's amateur sportsmen and women. The aim was to help them prepare for competitions against better-funded, overseas athletes.
From 1983 until 1997, SAF was a major source of funding for most of Britain's leading athletes, both able-bodied and disabled. 1997 brought the Lottery funding and a change to SportsAid's role. As SportsAid was no longer the sole provider it could not continue in the same area, but there were still funding gaps which the Lottery funds could not fill.
Since 1997, SportsAid has focused on giving awards to youngsters aged 12 to 18, from around 50 able-bodied and 25 disability sports. These athletes compete in national squads and the SportsAid Awards, generally worth around £1,000, help with costs such as travel, training, accommodation, competition fees and equipment.
SportsAid is also responsible for the Government backed Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), helping talented sports people balance academic life and performance sport.
Since 1976, SportsAid has distributed around £30 million and now gives 3,000 awards per year.
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