News
Bolt’s bash sends children back to school in style
(January 09, 2013)
Jamaican sprint ace lavishes youngsters with food, toys, school supplies and sports equipment at post-Christmas treat. (Credit: usainbolt.com)KINGSTON, Jamaica, Wednesday January 9, 2013 – Scores of Jamaican children are heading back to school in high gear thanks to a post-Christmas treat hosted by sprint star Usain Bolt on the grounds of his old schools, the Piedmont Basic and Waldensia Primary, in Trelawny.
The world’s fastest man feted youngsters up to 12 years old under the banner of the Usain Bolt Foundation at the event, which was held in conjunction with Digicel and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
The internationally acclaimed double-triple Olympic gold medallist was accompanied by his parents Jennifer and Wellesly Bolt and shared the day’s festivities with childhood friends and former schoolteachers, as well as the the more than 200 children in attendance.
The affable 26-year-old sprint ace was kept on the run, assisting in the serving of food and the distribution of toys and back-to-school supplies to the scores of delighted youngsters, as well as the presentation of footballs to the Waldensia Primary School.
He nevertheless took time out to accommodate the many autograph-hunting children and pose for souvenir photographs with his young fans.
The much-decorated track star, who was the recipient of almost every major sports award in 2012, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the day’s activities.
"Thanks to KFC and Digicel and just thanks to everybody for coming out. It is my pleasure to put on this little treat. I remember when I was younger it was always fun at Christmastime. We used to come out and have some fun. So it is a pleasure to have everyone here," Bolt said, while reminding the youngsters to "continue working hard and enjoying school and play".
Last year, the Usain Bolt Foundation made several charitable donations including those to the Cardiac Surgery Programme at the Bustamante Hospital for Children and five primary and basic schools in Portland.
He has also donated items for fundraisers for children with special needs and presented a new bus to his alma mater, William Knibb Memorial High School in Martha Brae, Trelawny.
The philanthropic athlete also assisted in the $4 million renovation of the health centre in his Sherwood Content community.