KAMPALA – “We warmly welcome the IOC announcement of the Fit for the Future Olympic athlete grant of US$10,000 to each athlete participating in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. This historic support aligns with the athlete-centred approach and will play a critical support function in the athletes’ journey.” That was the reaction of Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) President Dr Donald Rukare following the International Olympic Committee’s landmark decision to introduce direct financial support for Olympians for the first time in Olympic history.
Speaking exclusively to Zaabu Sports, Dr Rukare described the initiative as a significant step towards putting athletes at the centre of the Olympic Movement, adding that the UOC will support Ugandan athletes in accessing and sustainably using the new opportunity. “We as the Uganda Olympic Committee will support our eligible athletes through programmes aimed at equipping them with the skills and knowledge to access and sustainably use these transformational grants,” Dr Rukare added.
The IOC, during the 146th IOC Session in Lausanne, announced that eligible Olympians will receive a US$10,000 grant after participating in the Olympic Games. The programme, backed by an initial US$140 million commitment from the IOC’s Olympic Foundation, is part of the wider “Fit for the Future” reforms aimed at strengthening athlete support. The initiative marks a major shift in Olympic athlete welfare, recognising that the journey of an Olympian extends beyond competition. The funds can be used to support continued sporting careers, education, business initiatives, and career transition after retirement from sport.
For Dr Rukare, who also serves as President of Commonwealth Sport, the announcement represents progress towards a more inclusive and athlete-focused sporting environment. “This support will play a critical role in the athletes’ journey,” he said, highlighting the importance of ensuring athletes are not only supported during competition but also prepared for life beyond sport. Dr Rukare’s response carries particular significance given his leadership roles across international sport. He became the first President of Commonwealth Sport from the African region, taking charge of the movement at a pivotal time as it prepares for major events including the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 and the Centenary Games in Ahmedabad, India, in 2030.
A respected sports administrator, human rights lawyer, and development advocate, Dr Rukare brings more than three decades of experience across sport, law, diplomacy, and governance. He has previously served as a World Aquatics Bureau Member, Vice President Africa Aquatics, Vice President of Commonwealth Sport, and President of Commonwealth Games Uganda. The IOC’s athlete grant announcement was one of the key outcomes of President Kirsty Coventry’s first year in office. Coventry said the programme was created to find direct ways of supporting athletes, describing them as the heart of the Olympic Movement.
The move has been welcomed globally as a recognition that every Olympian’s contribution matters, regardless of their final position or country of origin. For Uganda, a nation that has produced Olympic champions and medalists across athletics, boxing, and other disciplines, the challenge now shifts towards ensuring athletes are guided on how to use the funding effectively through the UOC’s planned support programmes, Dr Rukare believes Ugandan Olympians can use the opportunity as a foundation for stronger sporting careers and sustainable futures.
The historic IOC decision could therefore mark not only a financial boost for athletes but also a new chapter in how sporting organisations across Africa support their representatives on and beyond the Olympic stage.
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