Primary schools to benefit from £744,000 boost
City primary schools have been given an extra £744,000 to develop sport, improving coaching for the youngest pupils and inspire Olympic and Paralympic stars of the future.
The money comes from a £150 million Olympic legacy fund announced by Prime Minister David Cameron to improve the quality of provision in every state primary school in England.
The city’s Conservative MP’s Iain Stewart and Mark Lancaster both welcomed the move, but Labour spokesman for Milton Keynes, Andrew Pakes, accused the Government of peforming a u-turn.
Milton Keynes South MP, Mr Stewart, said: “Many of my young constituents were really enthused by the Olympics and were keen to get involved in various sporting activities locally.
“For some of them from difficult backgrounds, sports played a positive influence in their lives. I am very delighted with this announcement because it will help such young people who could be our gold medal winners of the future.”
And his MK North counterpart, Mr Lancaster, added: “£744,000 is a huge amount of funding which is being given directly to primary schools in Milton Keynes from central government to help secure the Olympic legacy.
“I have already heard from headteachers across the city and I know that this is going to make a big impact locally, increasing both the quality and the number of sporting opportunities on offer to our youngsters.”
But Mr Pakes, who will be taking on Mr Stewart at the next General Election, said: “Everyone wants to see schools engaging pupils in sport and capitalising on the Olympic legacy.
“While every bit of funding is welcome, the promised money is less than the £162 million previously invested in the School Sports Partnerships scrapped by the Government after the last election.
“I am glad that Ministers have finally listened to parents, teachers and athletes and restored some of this funding.”
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Thursday 23 May 2013
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