x

World Athletics creates $500,000 pandemic fund to support athletes

World Athletics and the International Athletics Foundation (IAF) have come together to launch a 500,000 dollars (400,448.50 pounds) fund, the global governing body said on Tuesday.

World Athletics said the fund is to help athletes in financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus outbreak has brought sports events worldwide to a halt, leading to a loss of income for athletes.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe will chair a group assessing applications for assistance.

The group will meet this week and also look into how to raise additional funds.

“I am in constant contact with athletes around the world and I know that many are experiencing financial hardship as a consequence of the shutdown of most international sports competition in the last two months,” Coe said in a statement.

“Our professional athletes rely on prize money as part of their income and we’re mindful that our competition season, on both the track and road, is being severely impacted by the pandemic,” he said.

“We’re hopeful that we will be able to stage at least some competition later this year. In the meantime we’ll also endeavour, through this fund and additional monies we intend to seek…, to help as many athletes as possible.”

The Diamond League, the elite track and field competition, was forced to postpone events in seven cities scheduled between April and June due to the outbreak.

The next scheduled meet is in London on July 4 followed by Monaco on July 10.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Plateau Assembly Gets New Speaker

By Israel Adamu, Jos The lawmaker representing Mikang Constituency, Hon....

Plateau Govt Relieves Chief Dabang of Role as Political Adviser

By Israel Adamu, Jos The Plateau State Government has relieved...

Togo: 7 Killed, Over 60 Arrested in Violent Crackdown on Protests

By Achadu Gabriel, Nigeria At least seven people have been...

Flood: Kaduna Steps Up Dredging, Targets Flood-Free Season

The Kaduna State Government has commenced large-scale dredging and...

NOA Reaffirms FG’s Commitment to National Cohesion, Development

By Anne Azuka The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reiterated...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img