Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith presented more cheques to Elite Athletes on Tuesday at the head office of the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs on Abercromby Street, Port of Spain.
To date, he Elite Athlete funding has totalled $1,229,302. At the previous presentation of cheques at the Hasley Crawford VIP Lounge, a total of 1.4 million dollars was distributed to athletes.
According to a Ministry of Sport release, the total amount of funds disbursed by the ministry to date is $2,629,302.
Among the batch to receive cheques on Tuesday were George Bovell, Lalonde Gordon, Sparkle McKnight, Kwesi Browne, Deon Lendore, Roger Daniel, Shanntol Ince, Marissa Dick, Josanne Lucas, Jovon Toppin and Ayodele Taffe.
The Elite Athlete Assistance Programme (EAAP) was established in 2006. The aim of the EAAP is to provide financial assistance to outstanding Trinidad and Tobago athletes in Olympic sports, in support of their preparation for and participation in international competitions.
Paralympic swimmer Ince, one of the athletes present at yesterday's cheque distribution, said funding is necessary to assist her with swimming, gym fees and nutrition.