Aside from the tremendous achievements at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by the world fastest man, Jamaican Usain Bolt, his true character was revealed at the Westin Beijing Hotel.
|
The other side of the 'Lightning Bolt' |
Just 2 days after his 22nd birthday, Usain Bolt said that he was overwhelmed by the positive support and love shown to him by the Chinese people and wanted to say thank you by making a personal donation of US$50,000 to the Red Cross Society of China.
"This donation is a gift from me to the children who have been victims of the earthquake in China's Sichuan Province. Some of these children have been seriously injured and may never be able to experience the joy of running or even dancing. It is a difficult time for them and I just hope I can help bring a smile to their faces."
Bolt has invited six children to come to Jamaica next year for the World Beach Sprint in the hope that they can have a fun and learn more about his culture. In support of Usain's gesture, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has offered the children a fun-filled holiday in Jamaica.
Bolt holds the Olympic and world record for the 100 metres at 9.69 seconds, the 200 metres at 19.30 seconds and, along with his teammates, the 4x100 metres relay at 37.10 seconds, all set at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Bolt became the first man to win all three events at a single Olympics since Carl Lewis in 1984, and the first man in history to set world records in all three events at a single Olympics.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world's largest humanitarian network. The Movement is neutral and impartial, and provides protection and assistance to people affected by disasters and conflicts.
The Movement is made up of almost 97 million volunteers, supporters, and staff in 186 countries.