Santo Domingo.- He Dominican Olympic Committee (COD) called on legislators to take into account bill 85-99 on the pension for athletes, leaders and promoters inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame, which expired in the Senate of the Republic.
The bill, which had been approved in 2022 by the Chamber of Deputies, expired this year after the time for it to be considered by the senators ran out.
The COD stated in a statement that, as the governing body of Olympic sport, it has always been identified with the personal, technical and spiritual growth of athletes and leaders, and that consequently, they receive financial compensation after the achievements made on behalf of the country.
The organization indicated that it is the State’s responsibility to provide the resources so that the high-level athletes who made it possible to raise the Dominican flag on the flagpole, once they have achieved the medal, as a result of their ability, dedication, effort and discipline. This is a right they have earned.
The COD wondered why, on the occasion of the request for modification to Law 85/99 on “pensions” in favor of athletes and those inducted into the Hall of Fame made by the Minister of Sports Francisco Camacho, as well as some legislators and those familiar with that project, approved in the Chamber of Deputies, the same expired in the Senate.
The entity pointed out that this situation has created uncertainty in the sports movement, just when the current legislature is concluding its term and the Senate Finance Committee has not followed up on the aforementioned project as it should.
He considered that the new legislature would come to resolve a very difficult situation, despite President Luis Abinader having done justice at the beginning with decree 377-22, increasing the pension for members of the Hall of Fame and Immortals, for all equally.
In this regard, the Dominican Olympic Committee raises its voice once again so that the Senate of the Republic knows and approves the modification of the law adjusted to the existing legislative standards and makes a norm that covers the entire spectrum, such as the immortals and exalted.
It is time, said the COD, to place the funds in the institution responsible for financing the public sector to end the ordeal of athletes and exalted people. “Ladies and gentlemen senators and deputies, it is time to be fair and apply by law, a right already recognized by constitutional president Luis Abinader. We are waiting for you.
