The federal government has announced an upward review of the winning bonuses for Nigeria’s Paralympic athletes participating in the forthcoming 2024 Paralympic Games.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is billed for August 28 to September 8.
A statement by Kehinde Ajayi, the Ministry of Sports Development spokesperson, quoted the minister, John Enoh, as saying this during an interactive session with the para-athletes in their training camp at Saarbrucken, Germany.
Enoh said the renewed bonus template provides $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000 for gold, silver and bronze medal winners.
According to the minister, this is in sharp contrast with what was obtained during the just concluded Olympic Games, where $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 were earmarked for gold, silver and bronze winners, respectively.
He explained that the gesture is part of the federal government’s recognition and appreciation of the athletes’ sacrifices, dedication and commitment to strive to represent the country and make it proud in the comity of nations.
The minister urged the athletes to see the gesture as a morale booster aimed at re-energising their sporting spirit, re-awakening their patriotism, and giving them the much-desired courage to propel them to glory.
Enoh emphasised the need for the athletes to do better than Team Nigeria’s poor performance at the just concluded Olympic Games.
“The country (Nigeria) as it is now is not in a happy mood, and I need all of you to look at yourselves as those people who are going to create and bring back joy,” Enoh added.
(NAN)
