Monetary Rewards for “Immortal” Athletes
President Fernández, Sánchez and Santos. Photo: elnuevodiario.com.do
Santo Domingo.- During a ceremony held at the National Palace yesterday, President Leonel Fernández awarded 18 million pesos to the Dominican gold and silver medalists at the London Olympic Games, Félix Sánchez and Luguelín Santos.
Fernández said he was very happy and satisfied with the achievements of the Dominican delegation.
He presented a RD$10 million check to Félix Sánchez who won gold in the 400 meter hurdles, a RD$6 million check to Luguelín Santos who won silver in the 400 meter sprint, one million pesos to Luguelín Santos’ trainer José Rubio, and one million pesos to the athletics federation, which was accepted by its president, Gerardo Suero Correa.
“I don’t know if it’s a question of fate… when I entered government in August 2004 Félix Sánchez gave us the gift of the country’s first ever Olympic gold medal at the Athens Olympics and now, days before handing over power, another gold medal arrives from Félix”, said Leonel Fernández. He said that Félix, with two Olympic gold medals, was an immortal athlete of the Republic.
Sports Minister Felipe Payano declared that the lives of athletes as well as trainers and sports managers had acquired increased dignity during president Leonel Fernández’s governments. He also described them as “immortal Dominicans”.
“It’s good to win a medal, but thanks to the incentives the president has given in the last two Olympic cycles, things are better and the athletes can now deal with many economic problems with these funds,” he said.
Medalists Félix Sánchez and Luguelín Santos thanked president Leonel Fernández and Felipe Payano for the economic incentives. “We are happy, now we can plan things with our families”, they said.
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Aw Bless how sweet, cos the people here are very poor and they dont have all the posh training centres to train in like other countries. I am so pleased they won a couple of medals. It may have been only 2 but they had a huge hero's welcome when they returned here. 
(Exchange Rate 39 pesos to the US$)