Canadian Paralympians hail $1.2M donation as step toward bonus equality with country's Olympians

Nearly 200 Canadian athletes are cashing in on medals won at the Tokyo and Beijing Games thanks to a sizable donation from a Canadian entrepreneur.

Sanjay Malaviya, a Canadian healthcare technology entrepreneur, is giving $1.2 million to support Team Canada athletes, meaning 130 Olympians and 53 Paralympians who won medals at their respective Tokyo and Beijing Games will receive $5,000 each.

"Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes have inspired and united us during a very difficult time," Malaviya said in a statement. "It's an honour to be able to celebrate their achievements and invest in their future."

For Canadian Olympians, the $5,000 will be added to money they already receive from the Canadian Olympic Committee for winning medals — $20,000 for gold, $15,000 for silver and $10,000 for gold. 

That contrasts with Canadian Paralympians who have traditionally received nothing for their medals as the Canadian Paralympic Committee doesn't have a similar program.

So the significance of this equal payment for medals is not lost on six-time Paralympian Billy Bridges, who just won silver with the para ice hockey team in Beijing. 

"It just feels great to be included in the conversation. What Sanjay has done is absolutely incredible, and I hope it helps the inclusion of Paralympians in the future," Bridges said. "My fellow Paralympians have such inspiring stories, and have been through so much before they even get to the Games.

"It is so nice to see them get rewarded for their athletic efforts, on par with the Olympians for a change."

This is so generous and incredible. I think it is still important to note though that the Olympians are getting this on top of the 10, 15 or 20 thousand dollars they already got for their medals