The Israel Olympic Committee plenum has published the list of incentives for the athletes participating in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The bonus for medals is unchanged from the 2004 Athens Games, at NIS 240,000 for a Gold medal, NIS 120,000 for a Silver, and NIS 80,000 for a Bronze. However, a gold medalist can also expect an additional bonus from the state, as windsurfer Gal Fridman won in 2004.
The big change at the upcoming Olympic Games lies in the incentives for athletes who reach the finals in their events and for athletes who chalk up victories in the martial arts events. Any athlete who reaches the finals, but fails to win a medal - i.e. reaches the 4th through 8th position - will receive a bonus of between NIS 10,000 for 8th place and NIS 25,000 for a 4th place finish. Bonuses for 4th to 8th place finishers in swimming and light athletics will be 50% higher.
Athletes in sports with no preliminary heats, such as sailing, will be awarded bonuses on the basis of their final place. Athletes in team events, such the 470 Class Sailboat, will be eligible for incentives amounting to 75% of the incentive for individual athletes. Athletes in five-member teams, such as artistic gymnastics will be eligible for half the bonus of an individual athlete.
Trainers will also be eligible for half the bonus of an individual athlete.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 26, 2008
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