Medal Hopes high for 2012

Medals Table
		G	S	B	Tot
1	CHN	51	21	28	100
2	USA	36	38	36	110
3	RUS	23	21	28	72
4	GBR	19	13	15	47
5	GER	16	10	15	41
6	AUS	14	15	17	46

Medals Table

Tot

CHN

100

USA

110

RUS

GBR

GER

AUS

Burnham: Confident of reaching target

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The Government, aiming to capitalise on British success in Beijing, plan to launch a drive for sponsors called 'Medal Hopes' designed to fill a �79million funding gap.

Leading up to the London 2012 Games, in four years time, the money would help fund Olympic sports.

Naming rights of Olympic venues could be part of the drive, but these would apply only once the 2012 Games were over.

The secretary of state for culture, media and sport, Andy Burnham, admitted that raising the cash from businesses would be a challenge but is confident the target could be reached.

"It is a national branded fundraising scheme giving business local, regional and national opportunities for sponsorship, and it's going to be called 'Medal Hopes'", Burnham said in Beijing.

"The offer is an association with the athletes preparing for the Olympic Games.

"There is also the possibility of naming rights of some of the Olympic venues (post Games) and this is something that needs to be explored with other stakeholders.

Confident

"It's a �79million challenge. We have the best possible springboard and momentum from Beijing and I am absolutely confident that we will realise this goal."

Burnham refused to guarantee whether the Government would step in if there was a shortfall.

"To give guarantee for the full four years is to say we are not going to have a private fund-raising scheme. But we are planning for the full funding commitment to funding of athletes will be met. It would be ridiculous to create any uncertainty," he said.

"It has the confidence of the British Olympic Association (BOA), national governing bodies of sport and individual athletes."

There is so much competition from the BOA and the London organising committee, with both searching for private-sector backers. Individual sports, such as cycling's deal with Sky, also have their own agreements.

"A lot of people will want an association with the team and the only way you will be able to do that officially is through 'Medal Hopes'," Burnham added.