Bolivia to offer cash to Olympic medallists

Bolivian athletes who win medals at next month's Olympic Games will be rewarded with up to 50,000 US dollars, President Evo Morales said on Tuesday.

The landlocked South American nation will send 12 athletes to Rio de Janeiro as it bids to win its first ever Olympic medal.

"I am very confident that you will do Bolivia proud at the Olympics," Morales said during a speech in the capital La Paz. "When there is commitment, there are surprises."

Morales said bronze medallists would receive 30,000 dollars, silver medallists 40,000 dollars and gold medallist 50,000 dollars.

It is the first time Bolivia has offered financial incentives to their athletes at an Olympic Games.

"We know the effort being made by our athletes," he said. "This is why we have decided to incentivise athletes to win medals in Brazil. They will rewarded by the national government. We want to continue down this path, to hail the athletes representing us at these Olympics."

Bolivia's delegation will be headed by their opening ceremony flag-bearer Angela Castro, who is considered a strong medal chance in the 20km walk.

Her compatriots Wendy Cornejo, Stefany Coronado, Marco Rodriguez and Ronald Quispe will also compete in Olympic walking events.

Bolivia's other representatives in Rio will be Rosmery Quispe (marathon), Karen Torrez (swimming) Jose Quintanilla (swimming), Martin Michel (judo), Oscar Soliz (cycling), Rudolf Kjinenburg (shooting) and Carina Garcia (shooting).

The Olympics will be held from Aug. 5 to 21. Endit