EXTRAORDINARY awards were given to Indonesian athletes who excelled at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Three Indonesian athletes who won medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, namely Rizki Juniansyah, Veddriq Leonardo, and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, each received a prize in the form of a house from Realestat Indonesia (REI).
The General Chairperson of DPP REI, Joko Suranto, symbolically handed over the house keys to the three athletes at the Athlete and Coach Appreciation Night in Kuningan, South Jakarta, Monday (26/8) evening.
“These three houses are a form of appreciation from REI for their extraordinary achievements. This is a form of our support for the development of sports in Indonesia. The REI family is proud to be able to contribute to our sports heroes,” said Joko Suranto, quoted from Between, Tuesday (27/8).
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Indonesia won two gold medals and one bronze medal. Gold was contributed by Veddriq Leonardo in the sport climbing and Rizki Juniansyah in the 73 kg weightlifting class, while Gregoria Mariska Tunjung won bronze in the women’s singles badminton event.
“These houses are located in the athletes’ home areas and domiciles. Rizki in Serang (Banten), Gregoria in Wonogiri (Central Java), and Veddriq in Pontianak (West Kalimantan). All units are type 36 which are comfortable to live in,” explained Joko Suranto.
Also read: Susi Susanti Hopes Athlete Development Will Be a Priority
Joko added that this appreciation was given in the hope that athletes could have decent housing from an early age.
He emphasized that having a house is a basic need that must be met, especially for athletes who have brought honor to the nation.
“We often hear stories of athletes who have achieved success but do not have a home in their old age. Therefore, we want to ensure that they already have a home while they are still young and at the peak of their careers,” added Joko.
Also read: All Athletes Participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics Get Bonuses
He also highlighted the issue that millennials and Gen Z are often reluctant or have difficulty buying a home. By providing homes to these young athletes, REI hopes to inspire them and other generations to prioritize homeownership.
“This appreciation also sends a message to the government that decent housing is a strategic need for the community. We are very pleased with the government’s plan to build 3 million houses per year, this is a very appropriate step,” said Joko.
A Great Motivation
Chef de Mission (CdM) of the Indonesian Team for the 2024 Paris Olympics Anindya Novyan Bakrie, also expressed his appreciation to BUMN, private companies, and REI who have given awards to the athletes. In addition to cash prizes, the medal winners also received houses in their hometowns.
Also read: Government to Hold Parade for 2024 Paris Olympics Medal Winners
“The athletes who won medals received houses from REI under the leadership of Joko Suranto. This is certainly a source of pride and happiness for all of us,” said Anindya.
On that night, the gold medalists also received Rp1 billion in coaching funds, while their coaches received Rp500 million. Meanwhile, the bronze medalists received Rp350 million with their coaches getting Rp150 million.
Rizki Juniansyah expressed his gratitude to REI for the gift of a house in Serang, Banten. He hopes that this gift can be a motivation to continue to excel in the future.
“I am very grateful to the REI General Chairperson, and I am proud of the appreciation given to national athletes,” said Rizki.
Gregoria Mariska Tunjung also expressed her gratitude for the support received. “This means a lot to us and shows that our efforts are appreciated. Hopefully Indonesian sports will be even more successful,” she said.
Veddriq Leonardo hopes that this award can be an encouragement for other athletes, especially in facing the upcoming 2028 Olympics.
The event was also attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo, Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) Raja Sapta Okto, and Chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Center, Lieutenant General TNI Retired Marciano Norman. (Ant/Z-10)
#MedalWinning #Athletes #Paris #Olympics #Homes
