Canadian Paralympic medalists will be financially rewarded at the Paris Games this summer.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) announced Wednesday that a new performance recognition program will allow a Canadian gold medalist to obtain $20,000. The silver medalists will pocket $15,000, and the bronze medalists, $10,000.
These amounts are equivalent to those received by Olympic athletes for such results.
“Today is a historic day for Paralympic sport in Canada, and it is the culmination of years of work to create a fairer and more inclusive space for Canada’s Paralympic athletes,” said Marc- André Fabien, by press release. For many years, the CPC has focused on developing a fair and effective system by investing in athlete development and strengthening Canada’s Paralympic Movement. »
“Over the past few years, we have made significant progress in supporting Paralympic sport, and a performance recognition program was the next big priority to ensure athletes receive both the resources they need. to continue competing and the recognition they deserve for their dedication and achievements on the world stage. »
The CPC mentioned that the program will be renewed for each edition of the Paralympic Games, both summer and winter.
“I am very happy to learn that Paralympic athletes who win medals will receive a cash reward for each medal won,” said Priscilla Gagné, Parajudo silver medalist at Tokyo 2020. “This initiative really shows us as athletes Paralympics, that we are valued as much as the Olympic athletes. »
An initial endowment fund of $8 million, created by the CPC’s philanthropic partner, the Canadian Paralympic Foundation, will help launch the Paralympic Performance Recognition Program and ensure a sustainable funding model. Lead donor Sanjay Malaviya will contribute 50% of the funds through the Malaviya Foundation.
Malaviya is donating to match the $2 million investment from the federal government. An additional $2 million remains to be raised, and Malaviya has pledged to match that portion as well.
Similar initiatives for Paralympic athletes already exist in other countries, such as France, the United States and Australia, and a program for Canadian Olympic athletes has been in place since 2006.
“Today’s announcement is much more than just sports news,” said para swimmer Aurélie Rivard, who took part in three JPs. We are making the decision, as a country, to equally value and support the athletes who represent Canada, regardless of their differences. I think this is a big step towards the idea that a Paralympic medal has the same value as an Olympic medal. »
The Paris Paralympic Games will take place from August 28 to September 8.