Tokyo 2020 funding boost for Team GB surfing, softball and skateboarding

A total of 14 Olympic and Paralympic sports will receive investment from the new UK government-backed Aspiration Fund ahead of the 2020 summer games in Tokyo, Japan.

Launched by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in October, the Aspiration Fund will provide £3m to support sports that do not currently receive full UK Sport funding.

Among the 14 sports that will benefit from the £3m fund are the new Olympic disciplines of skateboarding, surfing and softball. Archery, artistic swimming, badminton, beach volleyball, climbing, fencing, goalball, karate, table tennis, weightlifting and wheelchair rugby will also gain extra investment.

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Quoted by the BBC, UK sports minister Mims Davies said: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the pinnacle for athletes across the world.

“This £3m fund will give more athletes in more sports the chance to compete at the very top in Tokyo.

“It will help Great Britain and Northern Ireland continue to be a leading Olympic and Paralympic nation and I am sure the athletes that will benefit will inspire the nation and help their sports grow.”

UK Sport CEO Liz Nicholl added: “This new Aspiration Fund is a fantastic opportunity for these athletes and sports to get on track for the Tokyo Games.

“Many of the sports we are currently unable to support, whilst further away from reaching the podium, have the potential not only to inspire through their performances on the field of play but also to inspire new audiences to engage in sport and activity.”

According to UK Sport grants from the Aspiration Fund are capped at £500,000 for team sports and £275,000 for individual sports. The grants will run to the end of the Tokyo 2020 cycle.

About the Aspiration Fund

The BBC breaks down the grants for each sport.

• Archery: £192,500
• Artistic swimming: £192,500
• Badminton: £259,679
• Beach volleyball: £68,750
• Climbing: £192,500
• Fencing: £192,500
• Goalball: £125,000
• Karate: £68,750
• Skateboarding: £166,825
• Softball: £62,500
• Surfing: £192,500
• Table tennis: £275,000
• Weightlifting: £192,500
• Wheelchair rugby: £500,000
• Unallocated funds: £118,496