A true champion, indeed

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

It is not often that we hear about young people who not only show sincere concern for the less fortunate, but also do something to alleviate their conditions. That is why the rare report about some youngster who obviously has his heart in the right place is so inspiring and touching.

This is the case with the American pool phenomenon, Michael Phelps, who has announced that he is using the $1 million bonus that he received from a private company to start a foundation for children. The details of the coverage of this foundation have not yet been published, but, for a start, Phelps himself is going on a tour across the United States to meet with children and share his Olympics experience first-hand with them.

Aside from giving his money, he is also giving more of himself to the intended beneficiaries of his foundation.

Let us note that $1 million is all that Michael Phelps has received for his unequalled feat at the recent Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Unlike our athletes, who were titillated with millions of pesos for earning even just ONE little gold medal, or even just a dull bronze one, but failed to earn a single one, Michael Phelps had no such incentive. He just leapt into the pool when the shot was fired, and did his best, for his country, and for his own personal satisfaction.

Of course he may be getting more funds if, as it happens in our country, he is asked to endorse some goods or service for which he will be paid handsomely. But, as of now, we know that he is not hanging on to that $1 million he got, he is generously not only sharing, but giving it all wholeheartedly. For that we can truly say that Michael Phelps is the true sportsman, that nothing in him can be tagged as mercenary.

If only our own athletes would be inspired by the example that the winner of 14 Olympic gold medals has given!*