ANON12
Years ago
OPALS TO GET GOLD BONUS
The following announcement should make it easier for Opals players to make a decision as to whether they play in the WNBA or stay in Australia to prepare for the Beijing Olympics:
THE Australian Olympics Committee, determined to finish in the top five at Beijing, is increasing the amount of medal incentive money awarded to athletes.
Athletes who won a gold medal at a world championship or equivalent event in 2007 will receive a $20,000 bonus in January to help them prepare for the Beijing Olympics.
Silver medallists will get $13,400 and bronze medallists $6700. Their coaches will receive a quarter of that amount.
"The athletes need and thoroughly deserve our financial help. It is critical we increase our funding," AOC President John Coates said in announcing the 33 per cent increase.
"We want our athletes to properly prepare for Beijing without having to worry about paying their bills and in some cases putting food on the table for their families."
More than 200 Australian athletes and officials will benefit from the scheme.
The full amount will be payable to every member in a team, meaning the 12 members of the world champion Opals women's basketball squad will receive a total of $240,000.
