Monaco, Sept 25, 2015: Olympic legend Usain Bolt has today announced that his foundation is to become part of ‘Athletics for a Better World’, powered by the IAAF.
The Usain Bolt Foundation will join forces with Athletics for a Better World to inspire positive social change through education, cultural development and sport.
Athletics for a Better World is the IAAF’s social responsibility programme, which provides organisations and people with a platform to use the universality of athletics to make a positive difference around the world.
As part of Athletics for a Better World, the Usain Bolt Foundation will be able to utilise the IAAF’s global reach, marketing channels and sporting credibility to spread their message and reach more young people than ever before. Usain Bolt will also add his name to the 12 athlete patrons currently involved in the campaign who include Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Marie-José Pérec, Paula Radcliffe and Wilson Kipketer.
“I am very proud that the Usain Bolt Foundation is officially partnered with the IAAF’s ‘Athletics for a Better World’,” said Bolt, the world and Olympic 100m, 200m and 4x100m champion. “Since the foundation was formed I, along with all the staff and volunteers, have worked very hard to inspire kids to become anything that their heart desires. So to be given this accolade by the IAAF is a reward for all the hard work we have put in, and a great opportunity for us to develop the foundation further and inspire more young people around the world.”
Sebastian Coe, President of the IAAF, said: “I’m thrilled that the Usain Bolt Foundation is partnering with ‘Athletics for a Better World’. Together, the IAAF and Usain Bolt will not only help reach and change the lives of thousands of children through athletics but also inspire lasting social change. I know the positive impact athletics can have and what a strong role model Usain Bolt is to millions of people around the world. The combination of the two is a very powerful force and we look forward to working together and making a real difference.”
Athletics for a Better World provides a platform for organisations and people around the world – Including member federations, athletics associations, partner organisations, sponsors and athletes – that want to use athletics as a tool for social change. The aim is for these organisations to be stronger together and benefit from the IAAF’s global reach, marketing channels and sporting credibility.
The Usain Bolt Foundation aims to create opportunities through education and cultural development. The foundation has invested millions of dollars, particularly in Jamaica, into community development projects that enhance the health and education of the young people involved. —- IAAF
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