Swimmer Alia Atkinson gets $3 million through Gov't support programme

More than $3 million has been paid over to swimmer Alia Atkinson under the support programme of the government.



Atkinson is being provided with a $5-million government grant over four years.



The money is being taken from the PetroCaribe Development Fund.



The Sports Development Foundation, which is administering the account, said it received the $5 million in 2013.



A report, prepared for the Parliament's Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC ) said that the money is disbursed based on the requests made by Atkinson through the Amateur Swimming Association.



"So far for 2014, Atkinson has requested $1.477 million. At the end of July 2014 the total amount paid over to Ms Atkinson from the fund was $3.1 million," the report said.



During the London Games, Prime Minister Simpson Miller promised support for Atkinson's 2016 Olympic campaign.



The swimmer had pleaded for help, following a fourth place and national record-shattering performance in the 100m breaststroke at the London Olympics.



Following that, the prime minister responded saying: "I am going to speak to the ministers of finance and education and the Sports Development Foundation, and I appeal to the private sector. We have to partner to allow her (Atkinson) to continue her training programme."



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