Flanders invests extra €5.5 million in elite sports ahead ​ of next Olympics

The Flemish government will allocate an additional €5.5 million to elite sports over the next four years in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games. This funding boost is part of the new elite sports action plan presented on Wednesday by Flemish sports minister Annick De Ridder.

According to De Ridder, the plan aims to increase the Flemish Elite Sports Index, which measures the performance of top athletes, by 10 per cent. “The plan is designed to encourage performance and inspire”, said De Ridder. 

”The plan is designed to encourage performance and inspire”

Elite sports funding will rise by 5 per cent for the period 2025-2028. This year, an additional 1 million euros will be allocated, bringing the annual budget to 31 million euros. From next year onwards, the budget will total 31.5 million euros per year.

Professionalisation

The additional funding will be used to further professionalise sports federations by strengthening coaching and expert support, as well as enhancing scientific backing for sports development. Technical directors will also receive increased support in the field. 

However, De Ridder emphasised that sports federations are expected to actively contribute to elite sports through clear co-investment and co-financing initiatives.

The action plan also focuses on using existing resources more efficiently by concentrating on programmes with the highest potential to maximise the available budget.

Inspiration

A key element of the plan is the interaction between elite and grassroots sports. “Elite and grassroots sports go hand in hand, like yin and yang”, said De Ridder. “Elite athletes serve as inspiring role models for people of all ages, which is why this interaction is a crucial aspect of the plan.”

^{#FlandersNewsService | Belgian athlete Bashir Abdi Poses with the Belgian flag after winning the silver medal at the men’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS}