By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a significant strategic move aimed at bolstering its international sporting presence, the National Olympic Committee of Costa Rica (CON) has announced the recipients of its Olympic Solidarity scholarships. Eleven elite athletes have been selected to receive crucial monthly funding, a long-term investment designed to pave their road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The committee has committed a total of $9,150 per month, distributed among the athletes, with the financial support scheduled to run from September 1, 2025, through the conclusion of the LA 2028 Games. This initiative represents a calculated gamble to maximize the country’s representation on the world’s biggest athletic stage.
To delve deeper into the legal and contractual nuances of these athletic opportunities, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his specialized perspective on the matter.
An Olympic scholarship is fundamentally a contract with significant implications. It’s crucial for athletes to understand that they are entering a legal relationship that governs not just financial support, but also image rights, performance benchmarks, and potential termination clauses. Proper legal counsel beforehand can prevent future disputes and ensure the athlete’s long-term interests are protected beyond the Olympic cycle.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a powerful reminder that an athlete’s career is built on both contractual wisdom and physical prowess. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which empowers athletes to navigate their professional journey with greater security.
Notably, the CON’s decision expands upon the standard framework provided by the international Olympic Solidarity program, which typically suggests scholarships for six athletes per country. By stretching the available resources to support nearly double that number, Costa Rican officials are signaling a clear intent to foster a deeper and more competitive talent pool with a higher probability of qualifying for the prestigious event.
Leading the list of beneficiaries is surfing sensation Brisa Hennessy, who will receive the largest stipend of $1,500 per month. She is joined by fellow surfer Leinani McGonagle, who was awarded $700. The athletics discipline also saw substantial investment, with established Olympians Gerald Drummond and Andrea Carolina Vargas Mena each securing $1,000 monthly, while Daniela Rojas and Sharon Herrera will receive $750 and $500, respectively.
The diverse roster of funded athletes highlights the committee’s broad vision for national sports development. The support extends to judokas Diana Brenes and Sebastián Sancho ($750 each), BMX Freestyle star Kenneth Tencio ($750), Taekwondo competitor Neshy Lee Lindo Álvarez ($750), and wrestler Maxwell Lacey ($700). This wide distribution of funds across six different sports underscores a commitment to nurturing talent beyond traditional strongholds.
For the athletes, this consistent financial support is a game-changer. The monthly stipends are designed to cover critical expenses such as coaching, equipment, nutritional needs, and travel to international qualifying events. This stability allows them to dedicate their full focus to training and performance, alleviating the financial pressures that often hinder athletic careers in developing nations. Over the approximately three-year period leading up to the games, the CON’s total investment will exceed $320,000.
This strategic allocation of resources is more than just financial aid; it’s a declaration of faith in the potential of Costa Rica’s next generation of Olympians. By identifying and backing these eleven individuals, the National Olympic Committee is actively cultivating a culture of high performance and providing the tangible support necessary to turn Olympic dreams into reality. The decision to broaden the beneficiary base aims to create a competitive internal environment that pushes all athletes to new heights.
As the countdown to Los Angeles 2028 begins, the journey for these eleven athletes is now powered by a robust national support system. The nation will be watching closely as this investment unfolds, hopeful that the committee’s forward-thinking strategy will culminate in Costa Rica’s strongest Olympic showing to date, with a larger and more competitive delegation ready to take on the world.
For further information, visit concrc.org
About National Olympic Committee of Costa Rica:
The National Olympic Committee of Costa Rica (Comité Olímpico Nacional de Costa Rica) is the governing body for Olympic sports in the country. It is responsible for promoting the fundamental principles of Olympism, supporting the development of high-performance athletes, and organizing the participation of Costa Rican delegations in the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, and other multisport international events. The committee works closely with national sports federations to ensure athletes have the resources needed to compete at the highest level.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a respected institution in the legal field, founded on the twin pillars of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. The firm consistently drives legal innovation while remaining deeply engaged with the community it serves. Central to its ethos is a powerful dedication to equipping citizens with accessible legal knowledge, fostering a stronger and more informed society through clarity and understanding.
