26. Januar 2005  
Great Britain  
Artistic Gymnastics

Official Statement of the President of British Gymnastics

BAGA President Stocks reproved urgent financial problems...

Brian Stocks: '200 days and yet no funding!'
'The week starting on Monday 23rd January 2006 marks 200 days since the official announcement of the successful London 2012 Olympic Bid.
We, at British Gymnastics, as all the nation, are thrilled about this unique opportunity to raise the standards of the sport in both our country and worldwide.
However, whilst the contracts to start building numerous Olympic facilities have already been raised, nothing has been done to support the preparation of our athletes for the greatest event on earth in 6 years time....'
Brian Stocks: '...So far, we have not received any additional funding aimed at the long-term preparation of our athletes for the London 2012 Olympic Games, especially in those Olympic disciplines that are not funded.
In many sports, including Gymnastics, bringing a talent to the rostrum is a long, sophisticated process. Shall we leave our talent’s preparation in jeopardy?
Brian Stocks
- President of British Gymnastics -

Notes:
Brian Stocks is one of the most significant figures in the British and the International family of Gymnastics.
- He is a Member of the Council of the International Gymnastics Federation (F.I.G.);
- Member of the Executive Committee of the British Olympic Association (BOA) and
- Directors Board member of the Central Council for Physical Recreation (CCPR).
- Brian Stocks was Director of Sport for the Commonwealth Games held in Manchester in 2002 and Chief Operating Officer for the World Indoor Championships in Athletics 2003.
- He is currently employed as Head of Sport and International Events within the Local Services Directorate of Birmingham City Council.

Source: Britisch Gymnastics
TIMES ONLINE wrotes
 The British Olympic Association (BOA) has been seeking up to ?100 million a year for the 720-strong team across all 26 sports included in the Summer Games. At present, the sum is about ?48 million.

The BOA declined to comment on the approach to the bank, although its frustration was made clear seven weeks ago when Simon Clegg, the BOA chief executive, said that the present situation was “like entering an Olympic race with one hand tied behind our back”.

Many governing bodies are desperate to start employing coaches and back-up staff and it is understood that the money guaranteed by the bank will go to the smaller sports rather than to those activities for which funding and sponsorship are assured.

Brian Stocks, the president of British Gymnastics, praised the BOA yesterday for its initiative in setting up the scheme with the bank, which has agreed to the no-interest loan because it believes that the risk is negligible. “It’s a brilliant idea,” Stocks said.
“People will remember 2012 by the number of medals won, not by the magnificent buildings. In gymnastics, we do not automatically qualify as hosts; we have to go through the qualifying tournament in 2010. We have the money for the women’s (artistic gymnastics and trampolining) squads but not for the men’s. We need a properly funded programme now.”
Source: TIMES ONLINE