honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 7:40 a.m., Friday, September 12, 2008

Swimming: Phelps' memorabilia deal to help charities

Associated Press

NEW YORK— Michael Phelps' golden stroke — this time with a pen — will help raise money for charity.

Autographed photos, USA swim caps and Sports Illustrated magazine covers are among the collectibles in Phelps' one-year deal with Grandstand Sports & Memorabilia.

The swimming great said he wants to offer fans the chance to own keepsakes from the Beijing Games, where he delivered the greatest performance in Olympic history.

"I am honored that GSM will support my efforts to give back to the community by supporting a large network of charities across the country," Phelps said in a statement Friday.

Phelps recently started his own charity, committing a $1 million bonus he earned from Speedo for his record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics.

He is to host "Saturday Night Live" this weekend.

GSM struck previous memorabilia deals with the "Miracle on Ice" hockey team, figure skating gold medalist Sarah Hughes and snowboard star Shaun White.