Elite athletes receive Olympic grants

The Bermuda Olympic Association (BOA) today announced the names of Bermuda’s elite athletes who have been awarded Grants under the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Olympic Solidarity Programme.

With effect from 1 December 2013, the following athletes will each receive USD $1,000per month, paid quarterly,until 31 August 2014 under the IOC’s Solidarity -Continental Athlete Support Grant Programme, administered for Bermuda by the Bermuda Olympic Association(BOA).

Tyrone Smith (Athletics)

Arantxa King (Athletics)

Roy-Allan Burch (Swimming)

Tyler Butterfield (Triathlon)

Flora Duffy (Triathlon)

Olympic Solidarity is the IOC commission responsible for administering and managing the National Olympic Committees’ (NOC) share of the broadcast rights from the Olympic Games.It redistributes these funds through programmes according to the needs andpriorities of the NOCs and their Continental Associations.  Programmes are divided into four areas: Athletes; Coaches; NOC Management; and Promotion of the Olympic Values.  Athletes’ programmes are structured to enable the NOCs to provide technical and financial assistance to athletes at all levels who are preparing for international competitions.

BOA President, Judy Simons, said, “To perform at the elite level requires an athlete to commit himself or herself to almost full-time training and coaching, which requires a substantial financial commitment.  The BOA is pleased to be able to assist Bermudian athletes by providing financial resources through the Olympic Solidarity Programme.  Each of the athletes who will receive these grants is deserving and I know they will continue to do Bermuda proud during their respective, upcoming international competitions.”