SPORT - Olympic hopefuls thrown a lifeline

By Andrew MacAskill

THE NEXT British stars at the Olympic games could come from Islington after a judo club in the borough received thousands of pounds in Lottery funding.

The Budokwai Club on Gilston Road, which has already produced two Olympic athletes, will receive more than £15,000 to help renovate the gym.

The money will be spent on building a dojo (a purpose built judo room), and buying desperately needed new equipment, including mats and pads.

Ken Atkinson, the head coach of the club, said: "With the new money and the right commitment from the lads there are two or three who I think could compete in London in 2012.

"But even if they don't get there it will still be of tremendous benefit to hundreds of children who will be able to get fitter."

Chris Hyland, who trains the juniors, has praised Atkinson for helping to secure the money for the club.

"The investment was made because they knew he had a proven track record of producing great athletes," he said.

"He is the best trainer in the buisiness and this grant is a tribute to his commitment and perseverance."

Other Islington clubs will also receive money from Sport England, which is responsible for distributing Lottery money to sports organisations. The Islington Lawn Tennis Association will get £7,000 to resurface its courts and replace old equipment.

Rob Achille, the tennis development officer for Islington, said he hoped the investment will pay off so "in years to come Highbury will be remembered for a budding tennis champion as well as its football connections."

The Islington boat club, Islington Cardinals, a disabled football team and Islington squash club were also given similar grants by Sports England to improve facilities.

Joanna Robinson, the director of Sport England London, said: "These are clearly projects that are going to make a significant difference to the local population of Islington."

Despite accusations from community groups that the London Olympics will drain lottery money away from grass root sports in Islington, Mrs Robinson said the grants were evidence the borough is not losing out.

“Sporting clubs in Islington will continue to be well funded by Sport England and they will not lose out because of the Olympics,” she said.

However, Debbie Blake from Islington Voluntary Action Council, said until the government rule out the possibility of using further lottery to make up for a shortfall in the soaring costs of the games, sports clubs in the borough could miss out on funding in the future.