When we were growing up—in between walking multiple miles to school in the snow and standing in bread lines—the main message you got from the Olympics was that these athletes were doing it for the pride of their country, not the money. However, we felt a tide change when they started letting professional athletes in 1992 play. We knew that it was more for their sponsors than Olympic glory (no matter what Kobe says). Now, the island nation of the Dominican Republic has blown any idea of amateurism out of the water by offering cash and prizes to any athlete who brings home a medal, any medal, to the country who’s only won two of them. Unfortunately, neither Ed McMahon or The Whammy were there for the announcement.

Sports Minister Felipe Payano said Tuesday the awards will range from nearly US$90,000 up to US$200,000. Winners could also get a car. It is the first time the Dominican government has made such an offer.

Payano said trainers and sports officials who work with the 25 athletes going to the games could also be rewarded. They will receive a bonus of nearly US$30,000 for each gold medal won.

Apparently anyone in any way related to sports gets paid big time in the Dominican Republic—even los sports bloggeros. So if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to look for the best wi-fi spots in Santo Domingo.

(Update: Well, it seems that this is the norm. The USOC pays out $25,000 for each gold, $15,000 for each silver and $10,000 for each bronze. But that doesn’t mean we still won’t consider moving to the land of the sports payoff. Thanks to Captain Caveman for the tip.)

Dominican Republic to pay Olympic medal winners [Sporting News]
Image [specials.rediff.com]