UK Sport Withdraws Funding from GB Snowsport Amid Governance Concerns

UK Sport has withdrawn all funding from GB Snowsport for the next Olympic cycle, citing governance concerns. Despite this, a record £12.5m has been guaranteed for British winter sport athletes through a new, yet-to-be-confirmed funding mechanism ahead of the 2030 Alpes Games. This decision comes six months after Team GB’s most successful Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.

UK Sport has assured athletes of its "full commitment" and will continue paying grants directly while addressing these challenges. An independent review into GB Snowsport’s governance has been commissioned.

GB Snowsport, which has had two chair changes in three years and is currently led by interim chair Michael Osterlin, expressed disappointment but pledged to work on governance. They also noted completing an independent governance review funded by UK Sport, which found their governance standards "strong and appropriate."

Meanwhile, UK Sport announced the creation of "Sport Org," a new multisport performance delivery organization, which will oversee elite programs. The curling and wheelchair curling program already operates under Sport Org, with the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association set to transfer its programs before Utah 2034.

Former BBSA chair Joanna Poulton had previously criticized similar plans as "laughable" and "naive" in 2022.

Dr. Kate Baker, UK Sport’s Director of Performance and People, emphasized the need for impactful investments amidst growing competition, justifying the drive for systemic change to ensure athlete success.

In related funding news, Ice Hockey UK will receive £445,000 to aid its transition toward commercial sustainability, marking the first such funding in the country.