President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday night brought bright smiles on the faces of Nigerian sportsmen as he hosted the victorious Nigerian Reps to the 2012 London Paralympic Games at the presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja. During the event, the president announced a cash prize award of N5 million, N3million and N2 million to each of Nigeria's Paralympic Gold, Silver and Bronze winners respectively.
He also announced the conferment of the national honor of Member of the Order of The Niger, MON, on the six gold medal winning Paralympians.
“You represented our country to the best of your ability, we thank you,” Jonathan told the Paralympians and footballers at a reception hosted for the two contingents.
The physically-challenged athletes won a total of 13 medals, including six gold at the London Paralympics, placing Nigeria 22nd on the medals table and third best in Africa after Tunisia and South Africa.
The female football team, the Falconets, battled to become world fourth best at the U-20 World Cup in Japan.
Jonathan announced the different cash gifts for the athletes at a reception held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa on Saturday night.
Team Nigeria contingent to the London Paralympics was made up of 29 athletes who participated in just four sports.
The Team swept many medals in the powerlifting event with at least four Nigerian athletes, Yakubu Adesokan, Esther Oyema, Joy Onaolapo and Folashade Oluwafemiayo not only winning gold medals but also setting new world records.
The President announced what he called a token cash gift of N1 million for each member of the Under 20 female football team popularly known as Falconets while noting that though they did not win the championship, they gave Nigeria good representation from the qualification stages and during the tournament.
The Coaches and other officials of the football team were awarded N1.2 million each by the President.
For the Paralympians, President Jonathan announced a cash gift of N500,000 each for non medalist in the team, while Bronze medal winners will receive N2 million each.
Silver and Gold medal winners were given cash award of N3 million and N5 million respectively while the coaches and officials of the Paralympian team will also receive N2.5 million each.
In addition the gold medal winners will also be conferred with national honour of MON at the National Award ceremony scheduled for Monday.
The President who lamented the poor performance of Nigeria’s team to the 2012 London Olympics who failed to win any medal said the situation must not be repeated.
The President therefore asked the private sector and each states of the federation to join in the battle to develop potential medal winners at the next Olympic for Nigeria. The President said he will soon convene a national retreat that will address critical issues in Nigeria Sports. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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