By Alex Milton

What is the role of BOA?  BOA selects and manages Britain's Olympic teams before and during the games.  It does this for both the summer and winter games.  It has the responsibility for developing Olympic movement and spreading the Olympic message throughout the UK.

Funding for the BOA  The BOA does not rely on government funding and has no political interest.  It receives all its funding through commercial sponsorship and fundraising.

The BOA provides a wide range of support services to selected athletes These are:  The Olympic training centre  The Olympic passport scheme  The Olympic medical institute  Planning for success workshops  The Olympic and Paralympic employment network  Performance and lifestyle  The athlete medical scheme

The Olympic training centre  Provides world class training facilities for use of British high performance athletes and coaches.  Facilities are in Austria and Cyprus  They cover a wide range of sports.

Olympic passport scheme  Allows athletes access to national and local sports centres at reduced cost or free of charge.

The Olympic medical institute  Based in London.  In partnership with EIS, provides medical and rehabilitation facilities to athletes on the world class programme or those on the Olympic passport scheme.

Planning for success workshop  Provide athletes with advice from experienced Olympians.  Helps with goal setting and time management through Olympic cycle.

The Olympic and Paralympic network (OPEN)  Helps elite athletes establish a career or employment opportunities outside of sport during training and performing.

Performance lifestyle  Programme designed to help athletes balance other aspects of their life with their sport.

The athlete medical scheme  Provides comprehensive medical cover to over 1500 potential Olympians.  Ensures athletes have access to the best sports specific medical advice.