They are the top athletes in their sports, raking in bronze, silver and gold medals while raising the name of their country higher and higher with each appearance on the international level. Back home, the media ignores their victories while the government fails to recognize the potential to formulate a better image of Egypt. Even worse, they’re paid just EGP 1,500 (USD 190) to dedicate their lives to their sport. In statements to Egyptian Streets, several athletes revealed the low salaries they receive for representing Egypt in a various sports. Until six months ago, Egyptian national athletes received no monetary compensation at all. That means that a professional athlete would attend training, local competitions and more for absolutely nothing in return, despite the fact that such commitments require him or her to sacrifice other career options, education, and family time. What about Egyptian athletes who travel overseas to represent their country and to participate in official training camps and competitions? According to sources who preferred to remain anonymous, athletes receive just USD 20 a day while overseas. That USD 20 faces a 10 percent tax that is imposed by the government, resulting in athletes actually receiving USD 18 (EGP 140)….
