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Brits' Winter Olympic challenge under threat

Zoe Gillings could be denied a trip to the Olympics © Getty Images

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The British Ski and Snowboard Federation (BSSF) is under the threat of administration, according to the Times, casting doubt over the participation of a number of athletes at next month's Winter Olympics. Snowboarder Zoe Gillings and Chemmy Alcott, the skier, are two of Great Britain's leading lights but the pair, along with up to another dozen athletes, could be denied the chance to compete.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has been monitoring the situation and has taken legal advice on whether athletes need a national federation to take part in the games.

The BSSF, which trades under the name Snowsport GB, requires a cash injection in the region of £200,000 to continue as a going concern and a crunch board meeting is planned to take place on Thursday.

"Administration is only one of a number of outcomes which may come out of this," Oliver Jones, the BSSF chairman told the Times. "The federation has had a particularly difficult year, made worse by the economic background. As a winter sports federation, we have seen our funding substantially curtailed in recent years and we have become increasingly dependent on more private funding."

Jones added that appeals have been made to Tessa Jowell, the Olympics Minister, and Ben Bradshaw, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

"This is not something we would want to be happening to some very talented athletes shortly before one of the most exciting moments in their careers," Jones said. "I know we are living through extremely tough times, but I find it extraordinary that we have not been able to raise the £200,000 we need. It is not too late for someone in government, or the Royal Bank of Scotland, to think again."

The BOA revealed they had a contingency plan in place and they would do all they could to ensure the athletes are able to compete in Vancouver. "We are fully aware of the situation and have been briefed on the steps being taken by Snowsport GB to remedy the financial shortfall," said BOA chief executive Andy Hunt.

"The BOA's absolute priority is to do everything possible to ensure that the athletes are able to compete in the Vancouver Games as members of Team GB. We have developed a contingency plan and, should it become necessary to do so, will submit it to our Board for consideration. We are in communication with the relevant team leaders and officials to reassure them that we are monitoring the situation closely and are doing everything we can to support them."

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