Love of country drives Bolt Foundation’s near-$10-million gift to students

Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has called his foundation’s near-$10-million gift to more than 100 students from western Jamaica a no-brainer.

According to the 100 and 200-metre world record holder, the damage to western Jamaica and his love for the country meant he had no choice but to make an attempt at alleviating some of the challenges facing the region’s students.

“So, you know me, I’m always a person that loves to give back to Jamaica. I’m all about the love and kindness Jamaica has given me so much. I love my country, and I know that Jamaica is going through a lot, especially [the] western region, after Melissa. And for me, it was a no-brainer, and I encourage everybody to try to give also,” said Bolt.

The recipients are all recent Primary Exit Profile (PEP) candidates starting high school this week, and all of them from the parishes hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa last October.

The parishes are Trelawny, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland, and St Elizabeth.

Meanwhile, chairperson Winsome Wilkins reaffirmed that the foundation’s mission centres on building a legacy of happy children by strengthening character through education and cultural development and by encouraging young people to pursue their dreams.

Among the beneficiaries are students who will pursue studies at St Elizabeth Technical High School and Maggoty High School in St Elizabeth; Godfrey Stewart High School and Petersfield High School in Westmoreland; Green Island High School and Merlene Ottey High School in Hanover; and Green Pond High School and Maldon High School in St James.

All 17 students from Bolt’s alma mater, Waldensia Primary, were awarded grants of $100,000.

According to Bolt, giving back should be everybody’s business, and he is imploring those who can to consider it so.

“It doesn’t matter how little. At times it really matters to a lot, especially in this back-to-school ‘era’ right now,” he said.

“I’m just happy, you know what I mean, the same old love. To give back the same old love to Jamaica, that’s what it’s all about.”