Former Jamaican sprint star Asafa Powell and American Olympic champion Noah Lyles are working together to support people in Jamaica who were badly affected by Hurricane Melissa. The storm hit the island in October and killed at least 28 people.
Powell, who lives in Kingston, has been visiting the hardest-hit areas to give out help. He said it was heartbreaking to see families covered in mud for days and mothers struggling to care for their babies.
Lyles, the 2024 Olympic 100m champion, has joined Powell in providing support. Powell says he’s happy that even though the two countries compete fiercely in athletics, they can unite to help during tough times.
Powell has given two houses to families who lost everything, saying it brought joy to everyone involved. He wants big organisations to keep supporting Jamaica long after the disaster stops making headlines, and says he personally plans to help people every month.
