PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Akeem Stewart has revealed that despite being among the world’s best Paralympians he does not receive any funding from government.
Akeem StewartStewart said what also added insult to injury, was the fact that he only receives 30 per cent of what able-bodied athletes are gifted by government when they medal at major international meets.
The 33-year-old made the shocking disclosures during an interview on Isports i95.5 FM on Thursday, where he maintained that Paralympians continued to be treated as lesser individuals.
Stewart, who won Trinidad and Tobago’s first-ever Paralympic Games gold medal back in 2016, copped a silver medal in the men’s F44 discus at last month’s World Para Athletics Championships in India.
He said despite his performances on the world stage he had not received any funding from Government in recent times.
“After I came back from Paris, we submitted documents last year September and from then to now I haven’t received funding.
“I’ve never received any sort of advanced funding nor elite funding. Back in 2020 when they had the Covid-19, that was the only time I received funds to help me through that time, but other than that, no,” Stewart disclosed.
Furthermore, he said he received significantly less from government for his podium finishes when compared to his able-bodied countrymen.
Back in September, World Championship gold medalist Keshorn Walcott and silver medalist Jereem Richards, were awarded $500 000 and $250 000, respectively, for their performances.
However, Stewart said the bonus for his silver medal performance at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris last year “was not what I expected”.
“For able bodied athletes, a win at the Olympic Games is TT$1 million, $500 000 and either $100 000 or $200 000.
“I received $150 000 and that clearly indicates that I am considered 30 per cent of an average human being and that sucks,” Stewart said.
He said while athletes competing at the World Championships got TT$250 000 for a silver medal, he was set to receive $75 000 for his silver medal performance at the World Para Athletic Championships.
Stewart said he believed Paralympians were being unfairly treated because of their physical challenges.
“I think they look down on us because number one, we don’t look like a normal person.
“People watch you and judge you based on your physical appearance and also they watch the level of competition as an easy competition, but I could tell you that most persons cannot come to Paralympics and compete and walk away with a medal that easy,” Stewart contended.
