Blair to invest in Sydney turning point

Prime Minister Tony Blair was today launching what he claimed would be a huge investment programme for British sport.

The Sydney Olympics should mark a "turning point for British sport" with increased investment of Government and National Lottery money leading to more gold medals and trophies, he said.

Mr Blair was meeting some of the medal heroes of Sydney today to pay tribute to the achievements which made 2000 Britain's most successful Olympics in 80 years and saw a massive haul of medals at the Paralympics.

The New Deal Into Sport will have pilot studies for the creation of up to 2,000 sports assistant posts in British schools by 2004.

The Prime Minister wants children from deprived communities to be guaranteed at least two hours of sporting activity a week, as a starting point for increasing opportunities for all children.

At a meeting with rower Sir Steve Redgrave in London, Mr Blair was expected to described sport as "a pro-education policy, a pro-health policy, an anti-crime and an anti-drugs policy".

"I want Sydney to be a turning point for British sport.

"Investment is crucial. Sport can't thrive on the Lottery alone. We believe our plans match the public's passion for sport and expectations of how it should be funded. They should open up sport to more people than ever before in our schools and in our wider communities."

Mr Blair was due to claim the athletes in Sydney brought the country together in a way that only sport can.