/world sport
MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- The Philippine government and the private sector are offering 9.5 million pesos (US$220,000) to any athlete who brings home the country's first-ever Olympic gold medal.
The gold has eluded the Philippines since 1924, when it first attended the Olympic games in Paris. The last medal it won was a silver in boxing in Atlanta in 1996.
Philippine Olympic Committee spokesman Joey Romasanta says the money will go to the first gold winner. But he says it is not the first time a reward has been offered.
He said Friday the government has pledged 5 million pesos (US$116,000) and the rest were donations from businessmen.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
All About Sports • Olympic Games • Philippines
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