UK Sport pledges record winter funding for 2030 games

UK Sport Announces Record Investment for Winter Athletes

UK Sport has unveiled a landmark financial commitment of over £33 million to propel British Olympic and Paralympic winter athletes towards the Alpes 2030 Games. This unprecedented funding, underpinned by sustained support from The National Lottery and the UK Government, accompanies bold reforms aimed at maximising performance success and safeguarding public expenditure.

The initiative reflects a strategic belief that while the Milan Cortina 2026 Games marked a historic zenith for British winter sport, the current cohort possesses even greater potential. Team GB equalled its best-ever Winter Olympic medal haul in Milan Cortina with five medals, including three golds—the first time Britain secured more than one gold at a single Winter Games. ParalympicsGB also returned with a silver, providing crucial experience for talented athletes.

However, the organisation emphasises that this success must not lead to complacency. With winter sport competition intensifying globally, UK Sport is prepared to challenge traditional delivery models. A key component of this strategy is the creation of Sport Org, a new specialist multi-sport performance delivery organisation. This body will bring leading experts together to drive efficiencies and provide greater stability for athletes.

Strategic Shifts in Delivery

The Curling and Wheelchair Curling programmes are already operating under Sport Org. Furthermore, UK Sport has agreed that the Bobsleigh and Skeleton programmes will transition from the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA) to Sport Org following the Alpes 2030 cycle.

For Snowsport, a ringfenced £12.5 million investment is allocated directly for the Alpes 2030 cycle. UK Sport has decided not to route this funding through GB Snowsport once the Milan Cortina cycle concludes. An independent review into GB Snowsport's governance is also being commissioned. UK Sport remains committed to paying athlete grants directly during this transition to ensure seamless support.

A Focus on Innovation

Matt Hancock, CEO of UK Sport, stated: "Competition across Olympic and Paralympic winter sport is only getting stronger. It is why we are not afraid of driving the change needed to give our athletes the very best chance of success."

Representatives from British Curling, Ice Skating, and Ice Hockey welcomed the funding, highlighting their readiness to leverage these resources for world-leading performances. The investment ensures that British winter sport can continue its upward trajectory on European soil in 2030.