MARTHA BRAE, Trelawny — The sports department at William Knibb Memorial High was boosted on Wednesday with a donation of $2 million from their most famous son, triple world record holder Usain Bolt.
In addition to the cash donation, the school’s sports teams will get footwear and gear from German sporting goods manufacturers Puma, Bolt revealed in a function held at the school in Martha Brae, Trelawny.
The former sprinter, who won 22 medals at the World Championships and Olympic Games, also promised to provide computers for the school as well as to look into providing better Wi-Fi.
It was the second donation by Usain Bolt this year after he had made a previous one in February towards upgrading the football field and running track.
“When we were here I remember we had to share spikes and the fact that I can make a donation where everyone has their own personal spikes is a wonderful feeling,” Usain Bolt told members of the media afterwards.
“I am happy to be part of the give back and to see everyone get an opportunity, a better opportunity than what I had when I was here, is really wonderful.”
While he did not get into the value of the gear that the teams would be getting, Usain Bolt said the important thing was “just for them to get what they want and getting the gear here”.
Bolt said he was looking forward to his high school improving in track and field and said even before he got there, William Knibb had been producing good track and field athletes, particularly sprinters.
Commonwealth Games 100m champion Lerone Clarke, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Michael Green and World Championships finalist Marvin Anderson had represented William Knibb Memorial before Bolt attended the school.
While he was at the school on Wednesday, Usain Bolt took time out to address the entire student body and then the sports teams specifically and urged them not to give up.
“There will be ups and downs, I never knew that I would get this far and you must follow your dreams,” he said.
Bolt also recognised the schools daCosta Cup team that had won their zone and qualified for the second round without conceding a goal.
— Paul Reid
