The British Olympic Appeal aims to raise £3m to ensure that Team GB athletes are as best prepared as possible at the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer. This will contribute to the cost of research, recces and site-visits, acquiring and managing preparation camps for Team GB in Macau, Quingdao and Hong Kong, all Team GB travel and accommodation, kit,equipment, medical support and assistance. The BOA will also send around 300 support staff, including all medical, training, performance and administration staff.

The BOA cannot generate revenue through traditional sponsorship routes because the Olympic rights are owned by LOCOG. Neither does the BOA receive any government funding, which would jeopardise its independence. In 1980, for example, the government objected to the team’s attendance at the Games in Moscow. The BOA made the decision to allow each sport to choose whether to participate. Team GB competed in Moscow and won 21 gold medals.

A lack of this essential support will seriously jeopardise the performance of Team GB and have a direct impact on the number of medals won.