It’s hard to fathom the long-term economic impact of coronavirus, especially while the pandemic is still happening. We can be proud of how charities and small businesses have reacted to the crisis, not least of all the lotteries. Among all the emergency funds and repurposed grants to help award winners adapt to this new climate, the National Lottery Fund has made available a sport resilience fund. From youth teams to national sides, all community sport projects struggle right now; they are desperate for money to ensure long-term survival. To that end, some £4.75m found its way to Welsh sports organisations to help them cope at this difficult time.
About the Sport Wales Sport Resilience Fund
Sport Wales and the Welsh Assembly had already announced a Sport Resilience Fund in the early stages of the lockdown. When the National Lottery stepped in, it took the total to £8.1m. Grass roots sport is vital to producing the sport professionals of tomorrow; equipment and facilities are already struggling in the current climate. Acknowledging the great work over many years, Sport Wales thanks the National Lottery for its ongoing support. Without past finance, Welsh sport (and UK sport as a whole) would not be in such a strong position. Team GB’s excellent performance at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics came through lottery investment.
The money is only a fund right now that groups in Wales may apply for to help them through this difficult time. Grant money is not just available to amateur and professional sports, but also for grass roots organisations. Even those encouraging people in Wales to remain physically active are eligible for this fund. Once again, it shows how the nations various lotteries help some of our most threatened community, social, and arts programmes. Even now, it’s important to carry on playing to help your favourite causes through this crisis.