One hundred and twenty-four Jamaican athletes preparing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan this summer are to benefit from J$45 million under the Jamaican Government’s Athletes Assistance Programme.

The programme was initially launched in March 2020 but was discontinued after the International Olympic Committee and the Japanese government decided to postpone the games because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The resumption of the programme was announced by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange.

“The ministry, in collaboration with the Institute of Sports, is providing financial support for those who are preparing for the Olympics.  Approximately 124 athletes will benefit from the initiative,” Grange said.

“They will be provided with funds at two-week periods from now through to the Olympics. It will total approximately J$45 million in support.”

Athletes from six disciplines, including swimming, rugby, gymnastics, boxing, karate and track and field will begin receiving disbursements in a matter of days as the final list of athletes is now being validated by the Athletes Assistance Programme Committee.

Payment of stipends to Paralympic athletes will begin in three weeks in keeping with the commitment of the Government of Jamaica to provide support for 18 weeks leading up to the Paralympic Games.