Born in 1989, Blake has dedicated his life to sport and is currently tied as one of the two second-fastest men in the 100 metres after his friend Usain “Lightning” Bolt.

FLORIDA, USA, Friday October 12, 2012 – Jamaican sprint ace Yohan Blake will lead Food For The Poor’s 5K Walk/Run For Hunger on Saturday November 17 at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

Blake, nicknamed “The Beast” and heir-apparent to his legendary training partner Usain Bolt, is the current world champion over 100 metres and a silver medallist at the 2012 Olympics in London in the 100 and 200 metres. The talented young athlete also grabbed gold with the Jamaica squad in the 4x100 metres relays.

“It’s really great that Food For The Poor is stepping up to help more people overcome poverty,” said Blake, one of the world’s fastest and most promising sprinters.

“It is a cause that’s near to my heart as a Jamaican, and I’m happy to be part of something so special, including giving back to my country.”

Blake’s participation in the charity’s 5K Walk/Run is especially significant because both the athlete’s and the non-profit’s legacies had their origins in Spanish Town, Jamaica.

Born in 1989, Blake has dedicated his life to sport and is currently tied as one of the two second-fastest men in the 100 metres after his friend Usain “Lightning” Bolt.

The non-profit, meanwhile, started out as a small feeding programme in Jamaica in 1982 and has since grown exponentially to become one of the largest international relief organizations in Jamaica and the United States.

“We are so honoured to have a Jamaican national hero join us for this important and fun event,” said Executive Director of Food For The Poor, Angel Aloma. “He has channelled his passion and enthusiasm so beautifully for the sport, and to serving the underprivileged. He is a true hero.”

Proceeds from this year’s 5K Walk/Run will purchase food to feed destitute families in the Caribbean and Latin America.