Lib Dem GLA candidate for Enfield and Haringey, Wayne, Hoban, has expressed concern over recently revealed figures showing that the amount of funding given to promote sport in London has plummeted by 92% in the last year.

The figures, released in a Parliamentary answer to Simon Hughes, the Lib Dem mayoral candidate, show that in 2002 £33.5million was given to promote sports in the capital. By 2003, this has dropped by £26.5million to just £6.6million. This equates on average to more than £800,000 less for each London borough to spend on the promotion of sport.

Wayne Hoban comments:

“With obesity rates rocketing it is astounding that Ministers are failing to invest in promoting sport across London. It is a tragedy that the Government has failed to recognise the benefits that sports provide.

“Getting young people into sport is a passport for a lifetime of good health. For older people sport reduces social exclusion and prevents brittle bones.

“Encouraging more Londoners into sport reduces crime, builds communities and gets people fitter, happier and healthier.”

“It is somewhat ironic that whilst this government is actively promoting London’s Olympic bid, they are simultaneously making huge cuts in sports investment in the capital.”