Netball targeting Olympic status

England Netball wants the sport to be part of the Olympic Games by 2016.

The bid has the backing of other UK national netball associations, and PM Gordon Brown wants netball to be a demonstration sport at the 2012 Games.

The Co-operative Group is encouraging its 2.5m members and customers to back the campaign. The next review of the Olympic programme scheduled for 2009.

England Netball chief executive Paul Clark said the sport could play a key role in female health and fitness.

"The government recognises that women and girls are under-represented in sport generally, and possess the highest drop-off rates," he said.

"Netball is superbly positioned to address all of these issues."