Sports

Athlete Grant hits record number of beneficiaries

In 2025, over 9,000 athletes will be registered in the program

Tatiana Alves

Published on 15/08/2025 - 10:25

Rádio Nacional - Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro - O diretor técnico da Associação Miratus de Badminton, Sebastião Dias de Oliveira, apresenta alunos do projeto que coordena, durante bate-papo sobre o programa Bolsa Atleta (Tomaz Silva/Agência Brasil) — © Tomaz Silva/Agência Brasil

The Brazilian Bolsa Atleta (Athlete Grant) program has reached its highest number of beneficiaries since its creation, with 9,207 registered athletes, according to figures released by the Ministry of Sports.

All program participants receive financial assistance, ensuring direct support for their preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The total number of athletes supported has reached an unprecedented level. Compared to 2022, when 7,236 athletes received the benefit, this represents a 27.2 percent increase. Compared to 2024, which had 8,739 recipients, the rise stands at 5.36 percent. 2025 marks the program’s widest reach to date.

Combined, the Bolsa Atleta and Bolsa Pódio programs - designed for athletes with a chance of winning medals or reaching finals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games - support a total of 9,673 athletes, representing a 6.6 percent increase compared to 2024.

Created in 2005, Bolsa Atleta is considered the world’s largest individual athlete sponsorship program, supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes across multiple categories.