Sports

Jereem receives $187K under Elite Athlete Programme

Loop News

September 11, 2024 6:13 PM ET

2 mins read

Olympian Jereem Richards has been awarded $187,500 under the Elite Athlete Assistance Programme (EAAP).

The cheque was presented today by David Roberts, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sport and Community Development at the Ministry’s Head Office in Port of Spain.

This funding is aligned with the National Sport Policy and is designed to help athletes like Richards cover the cost of training, international competition fees, travel and other essential expenses.

As with other athletes, the Sport Ministry has continuously supported Richards’ athletic development which allowed him to successfully compete on the international stage. 

Under the EAAP, Richards was awarded the same figure in 2020/2021. In 2021/2022 he received $250,000 and in 2022/2023 he was awarded $250,000.

Between 2021 and 2024, Richards received a total of $819,000 under the National Rewards and Incentives Framework for his performance at various international events such as the World Indoor Championships where he won a gold medal, his two gold medal performances at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and two gold medals at the 2023 Central America and Caribbean Games.

Sport Minister Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis said: “Jereem’s performance at the recent Paris 2024 Olympics games and his subsequent bronze medal at the Diamond League, showed true grit and a determination to succeed.”

She continued: “We at the Ministry are committed to ensuring that athletes are given all that they need to reach their highest level of performance.”

On September 8, the Ministry announced that Paralympian Akeem Stewart will be awarded $150,000 for his silver medal performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics under the National Incentives and Rewards Framework.

The investment in Richards and Stewart and other talented athletes reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to the growth and development of T&T’s athletes.

“By supporting their endeavours, we foster national pride and inspire future sportsmen and women to chase their athletic dreams,” the Ministry stated.