A former sports minister and Droitwich and Evesham MP has praised the achievements of Olympians and paralympians from the area.

In a speech in the House of Commons, Nigel Huddleston MP highlighted the successes of athletes from the constituency, including gold medalist swimmer Matt Richards, paralympic shooter and medalist Matt Skelhon, shooter Issy Bailey, paralympic gold medalist swimmer Rebecca Redfern, and swimmer Matthew Redfern.

Mr Huddleston said: "It was an honour to congratulate these outstanding athletes who have made not only their families proud but also our entire community.

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"Their dedication and success represent the very best of British sport, and we must ensure we continue to support future generations of athletes with the necessary funding."

Mr Huddleston, who was the sports minister from 2020 to 2022, emphasised the important role of continued investment in sports funding to ensure the UK’s ongoing global success.

He referenced the long-standing support through National Lottery funding under former Prime Minister John Major, arguing that this has been fundamental to the UK’s rise as a global sporting powerhouse.

Mr Huddleston said: "Since 1996, we have gone from winning just one gold medal to becoming a dominant force, particularly in disability sport, where our paralympians have excelled.

"That success is no accident—funding is absolutely critical to supporting our athletes and ensuring our continued prominence on the world stage."

The former sports minister also praised UK Sport, Sport England, and sports governing bodies for their efforts in reviving sport and getting the country active again following the pandemic.

He commended their work in maintaining the UK’s reputation for sporting excellence, particularly in promoting disability sport, highlighting the UK’s second-place finish in the Paralympics.

Mr Huddleston said: "The UK leads the world in disability sport.

"By broadcasting the Paralympics in prime time and making it accessible to millions of viewers, we show what people with disabilities are capable of, celebrating their incredible achievements on the global stage."

In closing, Mr Huddleston reiterated the importance of ensuring that sports funding remains a priority to foster future success and promote the role sport plays in public health, mental well-being, and national pride.