Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

In an effort to acknowledge the dedication and hard work put forth by the Peruvian athletes that will represent the Andean country at the Beijing Olympic events, the Peruvian Sports Institute has announced a series of rewards for the country's athletes.

Money prizes, scholarships and national recognition rewards will be granted to athletes that achieve first, second or third place at this year's Olympic Games.

It was announced that coaches and trainers would also be rewarded.

Peruvian athletes that win a gold medal at the Olympics will not only bring home the honor of a win but will also receive a $50,000 reward along with Laureles Deportivos - the highest award a Peruvian athlete can receive from the country's government.

Furthermore, the athlete will receive a two-year scholarship (worth approximately $20,000) to study or continue training as well as another 50,000 soles.

The athlete's trainer will be rewarded $12,000.

Silver medal winners will receive a $25,000 and 25,000-sol reward along with a $10,000 scholarship to study or continue training.

In the case of a silver medal, the coach is to be rewarded $6,000.

Bronze medal winners will be awarded $12,500, 12,500 soles and a $5,000 scholarship. Coaches are to receive a $3,000.

There are approximately one dozen Peruvian athletes that will be traveling to Beijing for the Olympic Games.