Former wrestler to provide monetary reward for U.S. Olympic wrestling medalists
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by Fuel The
In an unprecedented act of support, philanthropist and wrestling enthusiast Ken Honig of Balboa Island, Calif. has pledged to reward any U.S. Olympic wrestler that reaches the Olympic podium during the upcoming competition at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Honig will substantially increase the monetary reward for any U.S. wrestler that wins a medal.
Honig's gift will provide a Gold Medalist with $25,000, a Silver Medalist $17,000 and Bronze Medalist $5,000. Although Honig prefers to give anonymously, he hopes the publication and announcement of his generosity will inspire other philanthropists interested supporting U.S. Olympians during the Games.
His pledge is focused on the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team but hopes his gesture will be recognized by supporters for U.S. Olympians across the spectrum of deserving Olympic athletes.
"As an athlete and adventurer, I am fully aware of the commitment involved in high-level athletics. The immense sacrifice undertaken by the men and women of USA Wrestling is probably unfathomable to most people. The award money involved in my program is directed towards helping these athletes with their future after the Games, because we all know these Olympians compete for the love of the sport," said Honig.
The wrestling community is excited and appreciative of Honig's generosity and commitment to the U.S. team.
"Ken Honig is just one of wrestling's alumni that understand the sacrifice our Olympians have made throughout their competitive careers with the dream of representing America at the Olympic Games. On behalf of our athletes I would like to thank him for his thoughtful generosity and although I believe our athletes are primarily motivated by the love of competition and the opportunity to face the challenge of the world's finest athletes, I hope this added bonus will push them even further," said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling's Executive Director.
Honig will substantially increase the monetary reward for any U.S. wrestler that wins a medal.
Honig's gift will provide a Gold Medalist with $25,000, a Silver Medalist $17,000 and Bronze Medalist $5,000. Although Honig prefers to give anonymously, he hopes the publication and announcement of his generosity will inspire other philanthropists interested supporting U.S. Olympians during the Games.
His pledge is focused on the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team but hopes his gesture will be recognized by supporters for U.S. Olympians across the spectrum of deserving Olympic athletes.
"As an athlete and adventurer, I am fully aware of the commitment involved in high-level athletics. The immense sacrifice undertaken by the men and women of USA Wrestling is probably unfathomable to most people. The award money involved in my program is directed towards helping these athletes with their future after the Games, because we all know these Olympians compete for the love of the sport," said Honig.
The wrestling community is excited and appreciative of Honig's generosity and commitment to the U.S. team.
"Ken Honig is just one of wrestling's alumni that understand the sacrifice our Olympians have made throughout their competitive careers with the dream of representing America at the Olympic Games. On behalf of our athletes I would like to thank him for his thoughtful generosity and although I believe our athletes are primarily motivated by the love of competition and the opportunity to face the challenge of the world's finest athletes, I hope this added bonus will push them even further," said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling's Executive Director.
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