Fastest Paralympian on the planet donates prize money to help disabled children in SE Asia

Ahead of this month’s IPC Athletics World Championships, the world’s fastest Paralympian has handed over his prize winnings to a project in Myanmar that helps disabled children in the South-East Asian country achieve their sporting dreams.

Gold medallist Jason Smyth has donated his £1,000 prize money from Powerade for the IN! Magazine Sports Personality of The Year award, to the Ah Lin Thit Self Help Group in Mandalay run by aid agency World Vision.

The group’s work includes helping members take part in sports clubs and competitions. Several members have competed in the ASEAN ParaGames, and have medals in sports including swimming, high jump and sprinting.

Irish sprinter Jason, who has four Paralympic Gold medals and competed at the IPC Athletics World Championships on 20th and 21st July, said:

“I have seen how much sport has changed my life. It has given me experiences and opportunities which I could never have dreamed about. This is why I wanted to help World Vision in its efforts through sport for children with disabilities.

“When I won two gold medals and broke two world records at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, I decided that I wanted to help give hope to others to realise their dreams.
 
“I am excited to be working with World Vision and the Ah Lin Thit project and I only hope that I can help them make a difference.”

The Ah Lin Thit Self Help Group - which means New Light - has been running in Myanmar since 2006.

Its other work includes providing access to education and healthcare for people who may have previously been excluded and enabling people to live independently in their community.

World Vision currently supports the activities the group runs, specifically a savings and loan scheme that helps people to set up their own businesses.

The group works with people with a variety of disabilities including those who are blind, deaf, physically disabled or affected by leprosy.

Ian Mowatt, World Vision UK Country Programme Manager for Myanmar, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Jason for his support for our work in Myanmar.

“With help from him and our other generous donors we are able to help ensure children living in Myanmar have the best possible start in life.

“By the end of next year the Ah Lin Thit group aims to be self sufficient, as is the goal for all of the projects World Vision supports.

“Jason’s donation will help ensure the centre can continue its vital work, long after World Vision steps away.”