President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that the monetary prizes for winners and medalists of the Presidential Olympic Games will be increased by 2.5 times. According to the president’s press secretary, starting next year the first‑place prize will be 25 million Uzbek soms, the second‑place prize 12 million, and the third‑place prize 6 million. Mirziyoyev took part in the opening ceremony of the second edition of the games. This year more than 3,500 young athletes from across the country competed in 26 Olympic and Paralympic sports disciplines. In addition to the higher cash awards, the president’s administration will offer scholarships to winners for a full year. Each year, the top 50 participants will be sent to international training camps abroad. Sports schools that achieve the best results in their disciplines will receive new equipment. Graduates of schools who win the Olympic Games and set a national record will be allowed to enroll in university sports programs without entrance examinations. Their education will be financed through a state grant. The program plans to expand the number of disciplines from 26 to 35 and widen the age range of participants to 14‑17 years. The Olympic Glory Museum will be relocated to the Olympic Town to provide young athletes with greater access to the history and achievements of Uzbek champions. President Mirziyoyev urged young athletes to pursue success through discipline, knowledge, and continuous self‑improvement.
Article and image source: Novosti Uzbekistana