As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games get underway, the spotlight falls on the remarkable athletes competing for glory. While the International Paralympic Committee doesn't offer prize money, many countries reward their medal-winning Paralympians with substantial bonuses.
Here's a breakdown of how much some athletes are set to earn for their achievements, based on information compiled by CNBC from national Paralympic committees, sports associations and local reports:
Generous Rewards for Top Performers
Several countries have announced equal medal bonuses for Paralympians and Olympians, reflecting a growing recognition of their exceptional achievements.
Canada: Medallists will receive CA$20,000 for gold, CA$15,000 for silver, and CA$10,000 for bronze, mirroring their Olympic counterparts.
France: The host country is also offering equal bonuses for Paralympic medalists, mirroring their Olympic counterparts.
Spain: Paralympic athletes are now rewarded with â¬94,000 for gold, â¬48,000 for silver, and â¬30,000 for bronze, matching the bonuses given to Olympic medallists.
Malaysia: Paralympic gold medalists will receive a significant 1 million Malaysian ringgit, with 300,000 ringgit for silver and 100,000 ringgit for bronze, equalling the prizes awarded to Olympians. Additionally, three external companies are sponsoring further bonuses of up to 60,000 ringgit for gold, 30,000 ringgit for silver, and 15,000 ringgit for bronze.
Japan: Paralympic gold medalists will receive 3 million yen, while silver and bronze medalists will earn 2 million yen and 1 million yen respectively. These rewards are slightly lower than the bonuses awarded to Olympic medallists.
Australia, Israel, and South Korea: These countries also offer Paralympic medallists cash rewards equivalent to those given to their Olympic counterparts.
Significant Disparities in Prize Money
However, not all countries offer equal rewards for Paralympians and Olympians.
Hong Kong: While the Jockey Club has doubled the bonus for Paralympic gold medalists from the Tokyo Games, it remains significantly lower than the Olympic bonus. Gold medalists will receive HK$1.5 million, compared to the HK$6 million awarded to Olympic gold medalists. Silver and bronze medalists will receive HK$750,000 and HK$375,000 respectively, considerably less than their Olympic counterparts.
Singapore: Paralympic gold medalists will receive S$500,000, half of the bonus awarded to Olympic gold medalists. Silver and bronze medalists will earn S$300,000 and S$150,000 respectively. This disparity was raised in Parliament in 2016, with the government explaining that rewards for Olympic and Paralympic athletes are determined by separate, non-governmental entities with different sponsorships.
Other Notable Cases
United Kingdom: British Paralympians, like their Olympic counterparts, do not receive prize money for winning medals but receive an annual training stipend.
China: The exact prize money for Paralympic gold medalists is unclear, as rewards reportedly vary by region and event.
Largest Delegations in Paris
China boasts the largest delegation at the Paralympic Games with 282 athletes, followed by Brazil with 255 and host country France with 237.
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