Back in August Chilean officials confirmed that the 33 trapped miners had been given PSPs to help pass the time until they could be rescued. Now it seems they’re still getting free gadgetry after their rescue. Funny that everyone’s trying to grab this as a great marketing chance.

The miners, hailed as heroes now that they’ve safely made their way back above ground, have been offered cash, vacations, and trips to Europe to see soccer matches, and even iPods from Steve Jobs himself. Reuters reports that Steve Jobs sent the recently rescued miners brand new iPods and was just one of many people who felt the need to reach out to the miners. Yeah, I can see that. But don’t you think your iPod would do much better when they’re still in there?

Earlier in the week it was revealed that Oakley had provided the 33 men with sunglasses to protect their light-sensitive eyes when they finally made it above ground. According to Reuters, Real Madrid and Manchester United have invited the miners to watch them play in Europe, a Greek company is offering them a tour of the islands, and a Chilean businessman gave them $10,000 each. Great times when being a hero gives back great rewards, though we can’t argue that these men have been through a lot and these gifts probably make the transition back to normal life a little easier.