According to the Xinhua News Service and CRI [China Radio International] English Website, the Government of the Republic of Kenya announces that it will give rewards in the form of cash to its gold medalists. According to the arrangement, the Government of the Republic of Kenya will reward $11,000 for the Gold Medalists, $7,500 for the Silver Medalists and $3,700 for Bronze Medalists. Kenya also announced $1.5 Million Dollars for the Olympics and Paralympic Games as well as $3.1 Million Dollars for Sports Development in order to find potential in the Sports area of Kenya.

 

While I have been tempted to criticize this practice as an example of conflict of interest and that the person may be tempted to win in order to get a cash award, there have been instances in which it has helped sports and schools. For example, WCIV News 4 reported about the Palmetto Gold Award and Silver Award for schools that excels. There have been reports about The University of Exeter in the United Kingdom offering Sports Scholarships for Golf, Rugby, Sailing, Tennis, and Cricket.

 

What the Government of the Republic of Kenya is doing is giving the tools in order for the youth of that country who want to major in sports can excel. In a continent dominated by war, politics, and poverty; sports is a way out of this endless spiral and a way to help the country. Imagine a country where there are potential sports people without an outlet. Imagine what Kenya is doing to promote future Sports Personalities. The possibilities are endless. People in Kenya who want to major in a sport can receive that opportunity from their government. Many of those who major in sports receive their gold, silver, or bronze medal and the possibility of advancing in life. The people who benefit from such a programme can inspire future generations to excel in sports as well. For those who are tempted to criticize the notion of Kenya paying its athletes to win Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals; my response is that when Nancy Kerrigan won in the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway in 1994, she received endorsements from major corporations. She was also honoured by a Walt Disney World Parade in Orlando, Florida. Who cannot forget how Oxana Baiul from the Ukraine received endorsements after winning in the same Winter Olympics of 1994?  It is with these comments that I endorse Kenya’s Government paying their athletes to win Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals.

 

REFERENCE:

CRI English; Xinhua: “Kenya Announces Cash Rewards for Medalists in Beijing Olympics”

http://english.cri.cn/6066/2008/07/28/65s386600.htm

 

WCIV News 4: “Charleston County School District Receives 26 Cash Awards”

http://www.wciv.com/news/stories/0108/486564.html

 

The University of Exeter: Sport Scholarships

http://www.admin.ex.ac.uk/academic/scholarships/sport/index.shtml