As the 33rd Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a successful outing and prioritizing athletes’ welfare.
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, made this assurance during a media briefing at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Media Center in Abuja on Thursday.
Senator Enoh praised the unprecedented support provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration towards the sports sector.
He revealed that the Federal Government has approved a substantial budget of N12 billion for the Games.
“The budget is divided into two parts: N9 billion for the Olympics and over N3 billion earmarked for the Paralympics,” the Minister disclosed.
Emphasizing the comprehensive provisions made for athlete welfare, Senator Enoh stated, “There are various provisions for the athletes and their welfare in the budget. Before the team leaves for Paris, I will have the opportunity to visit them.”
He assured that the ministry is committed to ensuring that athletes’ needs are prioritized before and after the Games.
The Minister also addressed concerns regarding allowances, stating, “All allowances for local camping have been paid, and those for foreign camping will be settled soon.”
In a bid to further motivate the athletes, Senator Enoh promised to provide detailed information about their entitlements during his planned visit to the camp in Germany, similar to his previous engagement in Accra, Ghana during the 13th Africa Games.
Senator Enoh confirmed that all athletes have been insured for the Olympics and expressed confidence that they would compete fairly, particularly with the recent enactment of the anti-doping WADA rule.
The 33rd Paris Olympics is scheduled to run from July 26 to August 11, while the Paralympics will take place from August 28 to September 8 in France.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has committed N100 million to help Team Nigeria prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The cash pledge was made on Wednesday, July 17, during a plenary session attended by Senator Enoh, as well as certain athletes, the Nigeria Olympics Committee, and the Nigeria Paralympics Committee.
“I am conveying the decision of the leadership of the House to you. To kick the ball rolling, we are supporting you with a sum of N100 million,” Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu declared the support on behalf of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
