Greek athletes received financial support from a fund allocated to athletes from developing countries said President of the Hellenic Olympic Academy, Isidoros Kouvelos.
Kouvelos, who was chief of the Greek mission in the Rio Olympics, spoke to Parapolitika 90.1 radio station and revealed that for a large part the Greek athletes were supported financially by an International Olympic Committee program that aids athletes from poor countries, mostly African.
At the same time Kouvelos said that during the preparation for the Rio Olympics, the Greek athletes did not receive any support from the state.
“The achievements of our athletes were accomplished without any help from the state,” Kouvelos said. “They received not a single euro for their preparation for the Olympics. The Hellenic Olympic Committee operating costs were not covered either. We made it thanks to private donations for the athletes and the support of the IOC through a solidarity program they have for underdeveloped African countries.” ”
The Olympic team leader said he is proud of the presence of the athletes who “gave their best during the economic crisis.” Regarding the six medals they received, he said that the initial goal was to do better than the Beijing and London Olympics.
“Little, suffering Greece is in 26th place in medals, having left behind some superpowers. Our athletes showed character and performed great,” Kouvelos concluded.
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