Organisers of the London Olympics (LOCOG) are refusing to budge on a rule that will stop athletes from other countries receiving a promised grant to train in the UK prior to the 2012 Games.

As part of their pitch to win the Games, London promised a 10 million pound scholarship program to assist the athletes of the world prepare for their event.

Each National Olympic Committee (NOC) and National Paralympic Committee (NPC) was to receive 25 thousand pounds but LOCOG has stipulated athletes must be qualified before they can receive the money.

Earlier this week the Pacific Island nations complained they were being denied the money because the majority of their athletes only get to compete in the Games from “wildcard” entries.

Now an African nation has joined in saying it can’t identify athletes to go to Britain to train. A delegate from Benin attending the Assembly of National Olympic Committees in Acapulco asked if LOCOG would reconsider.

Lord Sebastian Coe, Chairman of LOCOG, insisted only athletes who are “qualified and selected” would receive the scholarship.

Most countries will be in a similar position as Benin and denied access to the scholarship.

Olympic Teams are historically not selected till very late. In many cases about one month out from the opening ceremony.

Often athletes are still trying to reach the qualifying standard in their sports at events in the final weeks before the Games.

Australian IOC Member, Kevan Gosper, who has guided the Olympic Committees of the Pacific Island nations (Oceania) for many years and is a great supporter of their athletes, says “we need to move now to get the benefits of the scholarships”.

Mike Tancred in Acapulco
AOC