As a great step forward in social security for sport, Chinese National Sports Funds (CNSF) gave Solicitude Grants to 84 Chinese retired athletes and coaches on Saturday in Beijing for improving their life condition.

CNSF secretary general Wei Xueping said the Grants aim at helping those old athletes who were bogged down in lives after retiring from national squads.

Wei said: "Old athletes and coaches had made great contributions to China's sport, but some of them led a difficult, even miserable life.

"The Solicitude Grants were set for helping them. They have been awarded to dozens of retired athletes and coaches, and hopefully, we will bring more help to more wanters. "

The Grants are graded with three levels as 10 people got the top level in 50,000 yuan (US$6,050). Thirty people were handed the second level grants in 30,000 yuan as 44 took the third with 20,000 yuan.

"I think the set of Funds is a significant step forward in China's People's Olympics development," said Wei. "I hope to see more grants set to help Chinese sports developing in a positive way in terms of social security."

Many Chinese retired athletes were hard to make a living after retirement because of some sequelae of injuries sustained from professional sports training.

Former discus national champion Liu Decui, who got 50,000 yuan, was unable to live on by herself. The 63-year-old, whose income is no more than 900 yuan (US$109) a month, suffered an unexpectedly hit in the head by a flying discus during training and also sustained a leg injury due to hard training.

Weightlifting (over 110kg category) Asian champion Cai Li, another top grant beneficiary, was killed last May by overweight and poverty.

The 33-year-old had suffered from diseases caused by overweight following the stop of lifting training and was forced to stay at home instead of going to hospital for less than 1,000 yuan (US$120) monthly income.

Some of the retired athletes couldn't find a job due to lack of working skills, even fundamental education. They received professional sports training when they were young.

Tang Quanshun, the best scorer in 1988 Chinese first division soccer league, was sent to prison for illegal soccer betting last year.

The 40-year-old veteran said: "I tried to do some business but I failed for less knowledge and education.

"I hoped to work in a soccer club but they didn't want me," said Tang. "I want to make money but I know nothing but soccer, that's why I chose soccer betting."

(Xinhua News Agency January 18, 2004)