The Sports Performance Reward Fund (SPRF), says it plans to raise N10 billion as a reward for generations of Nigeria’s sporting youth.
Musa Kida, the President of SPRF made the remarks at an inaugural world press conference on Thursday in Abuja.
Kida stated that the funds would be raised from the private and public sectors, from individuals and organisations at home and abroad.
According to him, the funds would be available as a reward for generations of Nigeria’s sporting youth who attain podium success at the Olympics, Commonwealth, All Africa Games and major World Championships.
“At the moment the proposed rewards are as follows: Olympics: Gold – N10 million, Silver- N7.5 million and Bronze- N5 million.
“Commonvwealth: Gold – N5 million, Silver – N3 Million and Bronze – N2 million.
“All Africa Games: Gold- N3 million, Silver – N2 million and Bronze -N1 million.
“The rewards for medals at major world championships will be the same as the All-Africa Games,” he said.
He said the main objective of the SPRF was to drive, and motivate Nigerian youth with sporting talent to put in the hard work and sacrifice required to be the best in the world.
“Our goal is to establish a guaranteed and sure reward for generations of Nigeria’s sporting
youth.
“We want to make sports an oasis of excellence in Nigeria.
“For instance, if you can run 9.5 seconds in 100 metres, on top of what the government can or will do for you, we will motivate and help you.
“You will become a world champion and a millionaire,” he said.
He also said that SPRF plans to attract massive private sector interest in sports and instigate a private sector-led sports culture in the county.
He said this was to ensure that Nigeria becomes a major sports power in the next three Olympic circles.
The president thanked the Minister for Sports Development, Sen. John Owan-Enoh for assuring the SPRF of his complete support, adding that the initiative was in line with the aspirations of sports business in Nigeria.
“We also thank all that have commenced contributions to this noble course and corporate bodies that have shown keen committed interest.
“We want to assure all that this is a time for all of us to get this right.
“We do hope therefore that the SPRF will get maximum support from the local and international media as well,” he said.
Chioma Ajunwa, an ex-olympian who is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the SPRF said transparency was key to the realisation of the objectives of the SPRF.
Ajunwa who is Nigeria’s first gold medalist at the Olympics said the SPRF intend to achieve this by keeping an open book that is there for all interested persons and parties to see.
“All donations, contributions and any manner of support are done on the website and those not done directly are reflected on the site.
“Also, all disbursements to recipients are posted on the website which is accessible to the public,” she said.
