Athletes aiming for Tokyo 2020 qualification receive funding from Bahamas NOC – Insidethegames.biz

The Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) has provided financial support to athletes from the country who are trying to qualify for the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The undisclosed amount of funding has been given to those hoping to represent the nation at Tokyo 2020 next year through the BOC Athletes' Welfare Commission, established by the National Olympic Committee in May.

In a statement, the BOC said it would also "reach out beyond the Olympic-bound athletes to provide assistance to other categories of athletes in the near future".

Installing an application process for funding and providing assistance to athletes attempting to qualify for the Olympic Games, pushed back to 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, was among the first tasks given to the Athletes' Welfare Commission.

The Bahamas have a number of athletes likely to compete at Tokyo 2020, including 400 metres Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, sprinters Steven Gardiner, Samson Colebrooke and Tynia Gaither and high jumpers Donald Thomas and Jamal Wilson.

A separate fund of $30,000 (24,200/26,700) has been made available by the BOC to athletes struggling as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

Grants will be distributed through the Athletes' Welfare Commission, although professional athletes will not be eligible to receive funding.

Athletes with sponsorships from sportswear manufactures will also not be considered.

The Bahamas has sent athletes to every Summer Olympic Games since Los Angeles 1984.

The Caribbean nation has won a total of 14 Olympic medals, including six golds.

View post:

Athletes aiming for Tokyo 2020 qualification receive funding from Bahamas NOC - Insidethegames.biz