Baltimore Sun

Michael Phelps has long yearned to attract more kids to swimming and to teach them about the pursuit of dreams, using his own life as the textbook.

He took his first step in that direction yesterday when he announced on NBC’s Today show that he will donate the $1million Olympic bonus he received from Speedo to a foundation he has created to promote water safety and youth swimming.

“This is a way for me to really help grow the sport,” he said in explaining why he gave the prize to the newly created Michael Phelps Foundation.

Phelps’ longtime agent, Peter Carlisle, said he has talked with the swimmer for years about setting up a foundation. Phelps knew he wanted to spread interest in swimming but also wanted to convey a message that could apply to other activities.