KINGSTON, Jamaica — Sprint legend Usain Bolt has reaffirmed his commitment to his alma mater, William Knibb Memorial High School, with a $2 million donation to support the school’s track and field team ahead of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Boys and Girls Athletics Championships (Champs).

According to Principal Linvern Wright, Bolt’s contribution, received by the school two weeks ago, will ensure that the team is well-prepared for the highly anticipated event set to take place from March 25 to 29. He expressed gratitude for Bolt’s continued support despite the personal financial challenges he has faced in recent times.

“One of the things that he has said, he said, ‘Principal, no matter what is happening, what you hear happening out there to me, I am still committed to my school. I’m still committed to contributing to the school. Whatever is happening to me, whatever I am missing right now, is not going to affect the commitment I made to the school of $2 million for Champs,’” Wright shared.

“So we received about two weeks ago in our accounts, a $2 million donation from Bolt to assist the team to go to Champs. So this year we’re going to Champs. We want to give a round of applause for that,” Wright announced during a school gathering.

The funds will cover essential expenses, including housing, food, and transportation for the team, which has grown to over 50 athletes this year. The principal emphasised how significant Bolt’s contribution is in ensuring the students’ success at the prestigious track and field event.

Bolt, who has been a supporter of the school’s athletics programme, has previously contributed in various ways, including securing a bus for the institution in 2012 and providing gear through his sponsor Puma. Wright recalled that during Bolt’s visit to the school in October 2022, he increased his annual contribution from $500,000 to $2 million to assist the team’s participation in Champs.

“Then we never had many persons going to Champs. Now our team is over 50 strong. And so that is a significant help in terms of housing, in terms of food, and in terms of transportation,” Wright explained.

Acknowledging Bolt’s resilience in the face of financial difficulties, particularly those related to the Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) fraud scandal, Wright commended the Olympian’s unwavering dedication.

“I am particularly appreciative, and the community is particularly appreciative because we know the difficulties he has been through with this SSL thing. And I think that what it points to is a commitment that is even beyond any kind of adversity he may be going through. And I think that we appreciate it more because of that.”

Wright also encouraged the young athletes to honour Bolt’s generosity with strong performances at Champs.

“What I hope is that the young people will show their appreciation by medalling because I’m sure he will be proud to know that his school medals on his behalf and on his alma mater’s behalf,” the principal said.

The William Knibb team is hopeful for success in several events, with Wright expressing confidence in their ability to bring home medals.

“Well, I think the boys have done well, I think, in the 4×4, but we expect to medal in the relays. We have, I think we have the 200-metre class two champion, and I hope those persons are able to come through,” Wright said.