Richards gets elite athlete funding

Olympian Jereem Richards has been awarded $187,500 by the Ministry of Sport and Community Development.

This funding, which is awarded under the Elite Athlete Assistance Programme (EAAP) and is aligned with the National Sport Policy, is designed to help athletes like Richards cover the cost of training, international competition fees, travel and other essential expenses.

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

A release on Wednesday from the Sports Ministry stated that the cheque was presented by David Roberts, acting permanent secretary of the Ministry of Sport and Community Development at the Ministry’s Head Office in Port-of-Spain.

Under the Elite Athlete programme, Richards was awarded $187,500 in 2020/2021. In 2021/2022, he received $250,000 and in 2022/2023, he was awarded $250,000.

Additionally, 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.

Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, in reaffirming the Ministry’s support for athletes and their development, 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.”

Minister Cudjoe-Lewis 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 Sunday,, 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 release added: “This investment in talented athletes like Jereem and Akeem reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to the growth and development of our athletes. By supporting their endeavours, we foster national pride and inspire future sportsmen and women to chase their athletic dreams.”

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