Medalists receive 16 million for their win in London 2012

Medalists receive 16 million for their win in London 2012
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, August 14, 2012

S ánchez, gold medalist in the 400-meter with hurdles, said that he was very happy for the support received from the President, the Ministry of Sports and the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD for its acronym in Spanish). He also noted that the COD President has never abandoned him “either in good times or in bad times.”

Sánchez, gold medalist in the 400-meter with hurdles, said that he was very happy for the support received from the President, the Ministry of Sports and the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD for its acronym in Spanish). He also noted that the COD President has never abandoned him “either in good times or in bad times.”

In a ceremony held Tuesday at the National Palace, President Leonel Fernández awarded 16 million pesos, as an incentive, to the two athletes who won medals at the recent Olympic Games in London.

The gold medalist, Félix Sánchez, received 10 million pesos (about US$250,000), which had been promised for this item, while Luguelín Santos, who won a silver medal, received 6 million pesos (about US$150,000).

The event, headed by Fernández, was also attended by the Minister of Sports Felipe Payano and the President of the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD), Luis Mejia “Luisin.”

Mejia expressed his satisfaction with the Dominican participation in London 2012.
“Our country ranked number 46 in the statistical medal scale at the Games. We won sixth place in volleyball and gymnastics; the new boxing talents won one fight each and we know that they will have more experience at the next Olympic events. Gabriel Mercedes remains a brave warrior who despite being injured continued fighting. In judo Maria Garcia was a worthy participant, and in athletics our athletes were the best participants winning gold and silver, with Felix and Luguelín,” he said.

Meanwhile Payano highlighted the fact that during the eight years of President Fernandez’s government the country has won 234 medals at the Central American Games and five at the Olympic Games.

The official told President Fernández that in 2016 he will accompany him to start a new government.

Meanwhile Santos thanked his coach, the authorities and his mother, who “always supported him when he ran barefoot in Bayaguana,” in the Monte Plata province.

At the closing of the ceremony Mejia presented the flag to President Fernández, who raised it full of joy while saying: “I am very happy with our athletes, who have raised the name of the Dominican Republic up high, and have given their soul and heart, and that is why I am very proud of them. Supporting sports has been paramount during my administration, and we go E’ palante.”

Redaccion@7dias.com.do