British Olympic Association receive boost for Rio 2016 as UK Sport to fund help pre-Games training camp

UK Sport have announced they will inject nearly £2 million into Team GB's pre-Olympic training camp for Rio 2016 ©UK Sport

UK Sport have announced they are to inject £1.9 million ($2.9 million/€2.7 million) into Team GB’s preparation camp for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The funds will aid the British Olympic Association (BOA) in producing a high-quality training camp, which will be located in Belo Horizonte, a short 45-minute flight from Rio.

The BOA claim the location is ideally suited to their needs, with the facility expected to have world-class amenities, medical services and accommodation.

It is hoped the camp will provide the perfect platform for the best possible performance from the British athletes as they look to better the medal tally they managed at London 2012.

Britain finished third on the overall table at London 2012 behind only the United States and China on a total of 65 medals, which included 29 golds.

“It’s fantastic to have the support of UK Sport and The National Lottery as we ramp up our preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games,” Team GB Chef de Mission Mark England said.

“The preparation camp is set to play a pivotal role in our ability to maximise the performance of the team next year and UK Sport’s involvement will be crucial in creating first class facilities for our athletes in Belo Horizonte.”

Jade Jones' taekwondo gold medal was one of 29 won by Team GB at London 2012 ©Getty Images

The camp is set to be the largest pre-Olympic set-up that Team GB have utilised, and the facility itself will be used for the final phase of training, acclimatisation and warm-up matches as well as rest and recuperation.

“For our athletes to make the nation proud once again in Rio, it’s crucial that they receive world class support throughout their entire journey to the Olympic Games,” UK Sport chief executive Liz Nicholl said.

“Our partnership with the British Olympic Association is key to ensuring a seamless transition from daily training environment, through the Team GB preparation camp, to the start line in Rio, and we would like to thank National Lottery players for making all of this possible.”

The announcement comes after The National Lottery revealed record ticket sales of 7.28 billion ($12.1 billion/€11.2 billion) in April.