27 Aug 2008

SPARC asked to draw up funding plan for 2012 Olympics

2:00 pm on 27 August 2008

The Government is asking sports officials to consider whether sports funding should be boosted ahead of the 2012 London Olympics.

New Zealand finished the Beijing Olympics with three gold medals, a silver and five bronzes, putting it in 24th position on the medals table.

Sports and Recreation Minister Clayton Cosgrove says New Zealand's success in Beijing proves that the Government's high-performance strategy is working.

Mr Cosgrove has asked sports agency SPARC for a briefing on the Beijing Games, particularly on the areas of emerging talent and funding levels.

But he says it is too early to say whether funding will be increased.

"I've asked SPARC to come back to me with a detailed analysis on how we keep this momentum moving forward," he says.

"I've asked them specifically to identify and promote our talent. Where are the next Valerie Vilis coming from?"

SPARC is due to report in February.