British Swimming to appeal Olympic funding cuts

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British Swimming has notified UK Sport of its intention to appeal the withdrawal of funding from the women’s Olympic sports of Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo.

UK Sport announced the decision to remove funding as a result of its annual investment review of summer Olympic and Paralympic sports, and British Swimming has responded by formally requesting the opportunity to make representations to UK Sport Board.

Commenting on the decision, British Swimming Chief Executive David Sparkes said: “It’s vital we have the opportunity to engage with UK Sport once again as we look to save these team sports from simply becoming a chapter in a history book rather than a lasting, Olympic legacy.

“Both sports have not only demonstrated real performance improvements leading up to 2012, which was reflected by UK Sport last year through increased funding, they have both made further progress in 2013 as acknowledged by UK Sport. They have also driven interest and participation with clubs across the country having to adjust to much greater demand for places.”