What we do
about SportsAid
SportsAid, previously known as SportsAid Foundation (SAF), was founded in 1976. Its principle 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 grants to youngsters aged 12 to 18, from 50 able-bodied and 25 disability sports. These athletes compete in national squads and these grants, generally worth £500, help with costs such as travel, training, accommodation, competition fees and equipment.
Since 1976, SportsAid has distributed around £20 million and now gives 1,500 grants per year.
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