Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt and sportswear brand Puma have donated a combined J$10 million to help rebuild two Jamaican high schools severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa.
The contribution, announced in December 2025, comprises J$5 million each for St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in Santa Cruz and William Knibb Memorial High School in Trelawny, where Bolt studied. The schools sustained extensive structural damage when the Category 5 hurricane struck Jamaica in late October.
At STETHS, the roof of the Grade 11 classroom block was completely destroyed. The school also reported damage to other classroom roofs, teachers’ cottages, athletes’ dormitories, sections of the perimeter wall and spectator stands. The Grade 11 block is used by students preparing for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations.
William Knibb Memorial High School reported damage to seven buildings on its campus, six of which were severely affected, including the loss of roofing. The damage disrupted school facilities and added to the cost of restoring normal operations.
The donation will support recovery work at both institutions as they repair buildings and restore facilities for teaching, examinations and extracurricular activities.
Bolt Foundation has also supported students
The contribution adds to Bolt’s efforts to support education and youth development in Jamaica through the Usain Bolt Foundation.
In 2025, the foundation provided J$6.1 million in cash and supplies to six rural high schools preparing for the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association Boys and Girls’ Championships. William Knibb was among the beneficiaries.
The foundation has also supplied learning materials and equipment to early-childhood institutions across several Jamaican parishes.
Bolt’s partnership with Puma dates to 2003, when the brand signed him as a young sprinter. The two have continued their association beyond his competitive career.
Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage across western Jamaica, affecting homes, public infrastructure and schools. The donations from Bolt and Puma form part of the support directed towards restoring educational facilities in the affected communities.
