Paralympians, Falconets Now Millionaires .As FG Rewards Team

Members of Team Nige

ria to the recently concluded London 2012 PARALYMPIC Games have been made millionaires following federal government reward for their efforts at the weekend in Abuja.

Each of the six gold medalists were rewarded with the sum of N5 million and conferment of the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) honour.

Also, member of the national U-20 women team, Falconets, to the FIFA U-20 World Cup were rewarded with the sum of N1 million each.

Nigerians Paralympic team placed 22nd on the London 2012 medals table out of 164 countries and emerged Africa’s third best team behind Tunisia and South Africa.

President Jonathan further announcedN3m and N2m for those who won Silver and bronze in the have respectively, while team officials were given N2.5 each and other members who did not win any medal were also rewarded with N500,000 each.

Team Nigeria got all her gold medals in power lifting and a new world record was set by Nigerian Yakubu Adesokan in Men’s 48 kg, 29 athletes and 19 officials attended the games.

The president also rewarded the Falconets, who finished fourth position at 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup held in Japan with the sum of N1m each while officials of the team got N1.2m.

According to the president no amount of cash reward would be enough for the athletes who made the country proud, saying that this reception was modest recognition for the athletes.

“This is the modest recognition, which is just a token in our appreciation of your efforts. It is not the value of the money but the recognition of achievement which I know is much more than any reward”, he said.

The number one citizen in Nigeria lauded the athletes, adding that their performance would encourage the youths, most especially those who are physically challenged.

Speaking at the occasion, the chairman of Nigerian Governor Forum (NGF), Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, governor Rivers State, advised Nigerians not to blame the London 2012 Olympic athletes.

Rt. Hon. Amaechi attributed the poor outing on late preparation and called on relevant authorities to ensure preparation for every international event.

Responding, Joy Onaolapo on behalf of the power lifters, thanked the federal government for the kind gesture.

Onaolapo, pledged that the athletes would continue to do more and ensure that they win more medals to make that country proud.

Tonye Orabere