Wales needs to invest locally in its best sportsmen and women if we want success in the 2012 Olympic games, says Welsh Assembly shadow sports minister Paul Davies.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire AM has called on the Assembly to set up a specific body to help fund Welsh athletes.

“The recent success in Beijing proves that there is a link between investment and medals,” Mr Davies told the Senedd during a statement about the success of the Olympics.

“Over the last two years, over £17 million was spent on cycling while only £4 million was spent on the triathlon.

As a result, Britain won 14 cycling medals and no triathlon medals.”

He called for a Welsh funding system to be set up to enable grass root sportsmen to access better training and equipment. “Without this local support, it is difficult to imagine success in the future,” he added.

He also highlighted the importance of encouraging youngsters to take part in more sport.

“I would like to see more emphasis placed on encouraging young people to participate in activities, sports and physical exercise in schools, as well as a general increase in sports and leisure activities within the community,” he added.

“Unfortunately, recent figures show that the number of young people participating in swimming has dropped, despite the fact that the Welsh Assembly Government offers free access to swimming pools during school holidays for under-16s.”