January 27, 2022 - 1505 views
The Welsh Government is investing a further £4.5 million of capital funding this year in new sport facilities across Wales, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden has announced today.
£2 million has been earmarked to the development of a new North Wales Velodrome in Denbighshire.
The additional capital funding will support projects to enhance facilities, which will help drive increased participation across a wide range of sports. The funding will be delivered through Sport Wales.
This brings the total capital investment in sport by the Welsh Government this year to more than £13.2 million with projects supported in every part of Wales and across a wide range of sports from football, gymnastics to swimming.
Deputy Minister, Dawn Bowden said: "Investing in sporting facilities is a key commitment in our Programme for Government and is integral to our nation’s health and wellbeing as we recover from the pandemic.
"This package reflects the value we continue to place on our sports facilities as environments that create inclusive opportunities for people to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of sport, and to unleash their sporting potential."
Brian Davies, Sport Wales Acting Chief Executive said: "Without available facilities, there is no way that we can achieve our aim of giving every person in Wales the opportunity to be physically active, which is why we’re delighted to have received this additional funding from the Welsh Government.
"All of the investment has been earmarked following an expression of interest process that took place at the end of last year, which demonstrated a need for the additional money and has allowed us to identify priority projects.
"We’ve worked with the sector to ensure a geographical spread and that a range of sports and activities are to be supported. Careful consideration has also been given in attempting to ensure that the investment will benefit those communities needing it most."
Noel Mooney, FAW Chief Executive, said: "We welcome the Welsh Government’s increased support for sports facilities to improve so many lives both mentally and physically. It is clear that the Welsh Government and Sport Wales understand the power of sport for a better society and this announcement offers optimism and light towards a bright future."
The Welsh Government’s draft Budget for 2022 to 2023, published on 21 December, includes a further capital investment in sporting facilities of £24 million over the next three years and will be delivered by Sport Wales.
