Cash boost for Team GB

Team GB have received a further £750,000 from UK Sport to boost their medal hopes as the 100-day countdown to the Olympic Games begins. The money, which comes from the 'Team 2012 presented by Visa programme', is equivalent to around £1,000 per athlete - and will allow for further training camps, additional coaches and extra equipment as the Games draw closer. The money is in addition to the £312million already invested from the National Lottery, Team 2012 fund and government spending. Each sport has submitted an individual business plan for how the money will be used. For example, the men's hockey team will spend their share on a trip to the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia in May, while the water polo team have added Italy to the line-up of opponents at their preparation camp. Extra boost The wheelchair tennis teams have invested their share on new protective covers for their wheelchairs, while the synchronised swimming team are hiring an additional choreographer. Sir Matthew Pinsent, four time Olympic gold medallist and chairman of the Team 2012 Appeal, welcomed the additional cash as he continues to seek additional funds to invest in British hopes. "The extra Team 2012 funding awarded by UK Sport to our Olympic and Paralympic sports today marks the final 100 days of preparation before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games and will be used to give our athletes an extra boost," he said. "To help ensure no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of excellence, we'll be continuing our fundraising efforts in these crucial final days and hope to raise £20m in total to support the preparations of Olympic and Paralympic athletes this summer."