|
Dubai: A UAE competitor taking gold at the Beijing Olympic Games will take home Dh1 million, it has been announced.
Ebrahim Abdul Malek, the general secretary of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and general secretary of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare (GAYSW), announced this..
He said the alterations to the prize money on offer as reward for the Olympic medal winners had been approved.
The winner of a gold medal in Beijing would be paid Dh one million for their efforts, said Abdul Malek.
He added a anyone winning silver would be paid Dh750,000 as a reward for their achievement while anyone who takes the third place bronze would get Dh500,000.
The UAE will send their largest ever squad to the Olympics and the NOC general secretary said that Beijing was a historic Games for the nations.
He said: "I say its a historic participation due to the big delegation we are taking part with.
"We will be in eight events, which happens for the first time," added the NOC general secretary.
Team members
The eight athletes include Shaikh Ahmad Mohammad Hasher Al Maktoum, who will be competing in the Shooting, Trap and Double trap.
He will be defending his Olympic title after winning gold in the 2004 Athens Games.
Fellow marksman Shaikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum will compete in the Shooting, Skeet competition.
Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum will compete in the taekwondo event.She will carry the UAE flag during the opening ceremony. The other UAE competitors are: Shaikha Latifa Bint Ahmad Al Maktoum, equestrian; Saeed Rashid Omar Al Qubaisi, judo; Adil Khalid Abdul Gaffar, sailing; Obaid Al Jasmi, swimming, 100 m free style; athletics 200 m sprint, Omar Juma Bilal Al Salfa.
Cooperation important
Abdul Malek said: "The cooperation between GAYSW and the NOC was the main factor of our success in preparing our athletes for the Games in a very good way.
"We worked hard and provide the necessary financial support to make our participation in the biggest sports gathering in the world which comes every four years a big success," he stated.
The general secretary of the GAYSW and NOC said the government provided everything it could to help the nation's athlete succeed in international competitions and in the Olympics.
He said: "Our government supports youth and sport in the UAE unlimitedly and back its sons to help them achieve glory and fame for their country.
|
