Minister of Youth and Sports, Zainudin Amali, has emphasized that the government will guarantee the welfare of athletes with disabilities and will not differentiate between the welfare of athletes with and without disabilities.

According to Amali, the welfare of athletes with disabilities has been included in the Grand  Design of National Sports (DBON), which is based on Presidential Regulation Number 86 of 2021.

“Even the rewards are extraordinary. After achieving achievements in national multi-events, they will receive the same rewards (like non-disabled athletes). For example, the President gave appreciation and rewards in the form of bonuses to the Olympic athletes, Rp5.5 billion to gold medalists. Then for Paralympics, the rewards given were also the same,” the minister said during a discussion on the Merdeka Barat Forum (FMB) 9 on Monday.

Rewards, according to Amali, will also be given to those who are still active as athletes and those who have retired. Currently, the basis for the rewards is being formulated for those who are retired, he added.

For those who are still active and have achievements and are interested in a career as state civil apparatus (ASN), he said the government had opened opportunities for them.

“We are currently discussing the revision of the law on the national sports system. One of the important points there is the welfare of the athletes and their well-being after they retire,” Minister Amali said.

The same thing was also conveyed by Presidential Special Staff Angkie Yudistia, who emphasized that the government is committed to paying attention to the well-being of athletes with disabilities.

“Bonuses have been prepared. Therefore, for people with disabilities who want to be an athlete, their welfare is always guaranteed by the government, both central and local governments,” Yudstia said.

Source: Antara News