Gov’t to financially assist athletes who make Olympic team

Athletes who make the national team for the Paris Olympic Games will be assisted financially by the Government with their preparations going into the event.

The announcement was made today by Minister of Sport, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, at a press conference at the JAAA's office ahead of this week's National Junior and Senior Championships.

Athletes will be given $20,000 weekly for a period of 18 weeks, giving each individual a total sum of $360,000.

Meanwhile, there's an adjustment to the schedule of event as the men's 400m will have first round and semifinal action on Thursday's opening day with the finals scheduled for the second day on Friday at 8 p.m.

This is to help to give the 4x400m relay team a last chance to qualify for the Olympics, with the event to get under way at 8:05 p.m. on Sunday's final day of the championships.

- Raymond Graham

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