Phelps to donate $1m to charity

2008-09-09 07:44

Baltimore - American swimmer Michael Phelps, who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, is committing the $1 million sponsor's bonus he earned for his golden haul as the first donation to his own children's charity.

The Michael Phelps Foundation will launch an eight-city US tour in collaboration with swimwear company Speedo, Phelps' sponsor that paid him the bonus, to visit children and share his Olympic experiences.

The tour will feature an education program called "Dream, Plan, Reach" to give children a game plan to lead healthy, active lives.

"My goals reach beyond the pool, to helping others realize their dreams, and continuing to grow the sport I love so much," Phelps said in a statement. "I feel it's only appropriate that I continue the momentum that Speedo helped to create, by committing my bonus to the establishment of the Michael Phelps Foundation, which I hope will help me inspire others to achieve their dreams, and give back to the sport that has given me so much."

Speedo announced last week that it will donate an extra $200 000 to Phelps' foundation in honour of his eighth gold medal.

- SAPA