The South African Confederation of Sport and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has confirmed that it will NOT provide bonuses to the two athletes who won our only medals at the Tokyo Games.
South African medalists “will not get any bonus”
In what was a relatively dark Olympics for the SA team, Tatjana Schoenmaker and Bianca Buitendag won three medals: Schoenmaker won a gold and a silver in the pool, while Buitendag finished second in surfing. .
With so few athletes finishing on the podium for South Africa, one would assume that SASCOC might find some change behind the sofas in the office to reward our shining lights. Alas, it seems we are asking too much …
- SASCOC chairman Barry Hendricks told EWN their hands – and purses – remain tied.
“This does not mean that Sascoc does not wish to grant performance bonuses. In fact, as we speak, we are trying to negotiate with partners to try to help us in this regard. If we were to give performance bonuses for medals at the Olympics, then we should do it for Paralympic athletes as well. “
“SASOCC cannot place unrealistic expectations on their athletes when we know very well that we cannot compete with Great Britain. Britain is getting £ 350million over a four-year cycle ahead of the Olympics. SASCOC receives 28 million rand over four years.
SASCOC criticized for its stingy position
The news leaked to Twitter on Monday, and boy, these are people who are laughing. Despite SASCOC’s modest budget, many believe the decision simply ignores the hard work and dedication shown by Schoenmaker and Buitendag. And what about all this debacle that is being played out on the occasion of Women’s Day? Well, that could only happen in South Africa …
Thus, SASCOC has stated that Olympic medalists Tatjana Schoenmaker and Bianca Buitendag will not receive bonuses for the medals. Incredible performances by incredible athletes abandoned by a system that doesn’t really care about SA athletes
– Dirk Visser (@Dirk_VisserZa) August 9, 2021
Athletes who have won MEDALS at the OLYMPIC GAMES are now deprived of their GOVERNMENT BONUS PROMISE. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM AN UNNECESSARY AND BANKRUPTCY SASCOC HENDIRKS! Can a person of integrity (what our government lacks) can create a fund?
– Distorted mirror (@MHzrover) August 9, 2021
You know what would have been a great SASCOC Women’s Day gift? Pay our two Olympic medalists the medal bonuses they deserve.
– Ang (@AngieMontandon) August 9, 2021