Jersey sport groups get an extra £84,500 from minister

The head of the Jersey Sports Council said the grant helped 3,500 sports people compete away from the island in 2011

An extra £84,500 is being made available to fund Jersey athletes according to the Education, Sport and Culture (ESC) minister.

The department had £160,000 cut from its 2012 budget as part of wider government cost cutting measures.

Deputy Patrick Ryan said he was reinstating part of the grant because the remaining fund used to send Jersey athletes overseas was not viable.

It was due to be cut from £176,000 in 2011 to a grant of £38,000 for 2012.

Deputy Ryan said: "This is a temporary solution but it will provide a breathing space for everyone involved.

"Planned sporting activities can continue this year but, more importantly, I can work with all parties to find a more permanent solution."

Brian Ahier, the chairman of the Sports Advisory Council said: "We understand the difficulties ESC is facing and we are grateful to the minister for his support.

"Reinstating this money means we will be able to allocate grants this year although some people may receive slightly less.

"This reprieve will take some of the pressure off sporting groups while we reassess how we operate."