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Venezuela to give free housing to returning Olympians

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — None of Venezuela's 87 Olympic athletes won gold this year, but they're getting another prize — new homes from the government.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced Monday that all the country's participants in the Olympics will get free housing upon their return from Rio de Janeiro. The apartments are part of the government housing program that is a cornerstone of the country's socialist revolution.

Maduro says this way the athletes will feel the love of their country.

Venezuela won three medals at the Rio Olympics: silver in the triple jump, bronze in boxing and bronze in BMX cycling.