Brasília - Today president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva launhes the Athlete Schloarship Program (Programa Bolsa-Atleta) that will benefit, in a first stage, 300 athletes with grants that vary from US$125 (R$ 300) (for student athletes) to US$1,042 (R$ 2.500) (Olympic-level athletes). The idea is to make it easier for athletes who do not have sponsors to take care of their basic needs as they pursue a career in sports.

The minister of Sports, Agnelo Queiroz, and members of the Brazilian Olympic Committee and Paraolympic Committee will also participate in the rollout of the new program.

It is expected that by the end of the year a thousand athletes will be enrolled in the program.

Translator: Allen Bennett