Some countries spend a lot of money preparing competitors to take part in major competitions such as Olympic Games or football World Cup. Some people say that it would be better to spend this money encouraging children to take up for sports from a young age. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

International sporting success can bring national pride, yet elite training programmes often consume public money that could support ordinary children. I agree that more resources should be directed towards youth participation, although limited investment in elite athletes can still be justified when it produces wider social benefits.