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Seventy-five per cent of American athletes have seen their earnings drop due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the social distancing protocols according to a survey by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
The UUSOPC has since launched the Athlete Assistance Fund for athletes who are experiencing financial hardship pandemic.
We have partnered with @USOPC_CEO and the NGBs to launch this fund to provide one-time stipends to our athletes through this difficult time. 100% of the funds will go directly towards athlete stipends. Please join us in supporting if you are able! @TeamUSA https://t.co/ORTJK4bjln
— USOPC AAC (@USOPC_AAC) July 23, 2020
USOPC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hirshalnd said, “In communicating with Team USA athletes and their families, we have learned of the profound impact many are facing as the world navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and the Tokyo Games postponement.”
The competition schedule around the globe has been decimated in 2020 and will not be back in full swing at least until a vaccine is available to the general public. Athletics continue to try to train in isolation to wait out the pandemic. Meanwhile sponsors are also affected.
The USOPC launched the fund in partnership with national governing bodies and AAC, as an initiative to support these athletes.
