IOC Launches $10,000 Grant Program for Olympians

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) unveiled a new athlete grant program during the 146th IOC session, which will provide direct financial support of $10,000 to Olympians for the first time in Olympic history. This initiative is a result of a year-long consultation process aimed at creating a sustainable future for athletes.

IOC President Kirsti Coventry stated that the program is designed to support athletes directly and is not intended to affect existing distributions to National Olympic Committees or international federations. The grant will be available to athletes who have participated in the Olympic Games and can be applied for through the Athlete365 platform.

The funding is part of a $140 million commitment from the IOC's Olympic Foundation. Pau Gasol, chair of the IOC Athletes' Commission, described the announcement as a significant moment for the Olympic movement, emphasizing the importance of listening to athletes.

The program currently applies only to Olympians, but there are plans to collaborate with the International Paralympic Committee for future opportunities.