Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen<\/strong> has donated \u00a325,000 from his Olympic Medallist Fund to his former school to help fund a gym.<\/p>\n The fund, which is distributed by Sport NI, was awarded to medallists at Paris 2024 to be spent on projects in Northern Ireland and used for new equipment to encourage participation in sport.<\/p>\n The awards were \u00a320,000 for a gold medal, \u00a310,000 for a silver medal and \u00a35,000 for a bronze medal and having won 800 free gold and 1500 bronze, Wiffen received \u00a325,000.<\/p>\n Wiffen chose to donate the money to St Patrick’s Grammar School, Armagh, that he and and twin Nathan as well as older brother Ben attended.<\/p>\n After speaking with his former principal at the school, Dominic Clarke, they agreed that a new gym would help develop sporting talent in the local community with the money allowing the school to purchase the equipment.<\/p>\n Wiffen said on social media:<\/p>\n “From Armagh to Paris and back again \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 Really proud to donate my full \u00a325,000 Olympic Legacy fund to St Patrick\u2019s Grammar School Armagh \u2013 the school that believed in me from the very beginning. Their support meant everything on my journey to becoming an Olympic Champion \ud83e\udd47\ud83e\udd49<\/p>\n “When I heard about the Legacy of Paris programme, I knew straight away where the funding should go. The school had plans for a new gym to support local athletes, but funding was a challenge. This donation helped bring that vision to life.<\/p>\n “It was a special moment to return with my brothers @wiffen_twins<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0@ben_wiffen<\/a>\u00a0to open the new facility \u2013 one that will inspire future swimmers, GAA stars, hurlers, hoopers and more \ud83d\udcaa<\/p>\n “Massive thanks to Mr Clarke, Archbishop Eamon Martin and the whole school community for the warm welcome and continued belief.<\/p>\n “Legacy isn\u2019t just about medals \u2014 it\u2019s about giving others the chance to dream too. \ud83c\udfca\u200d\u2642\ufe0f #LegacyOfParis<\/a>\u00a0#StPatsProud<\/a>\u00a0#OlympicChampion<\/a>\u00a0#GiveBack<\/a>\u00a0#ArmaghSport<\/a>\u00a0#WiffenTwins<\/a>\u00a0#Paris2024″<\/a><\/p>\n