Clarien Bank Limited has donated $5,000 to The Flora Fund to help aspiring and talented local athletes reach their goals.

The fund was established by Flora Duffy, the two-times ITU world champion triathlete and Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

The donation was presented to Flora’s father Charlie Duffy during the awards ceremony at Saturday’s 30th annual Clarien Iron Kids triathlon — the event where Flora first began her competitive career more than 20 years ago.

Ms Duffy, who was off island training for the World Triathlon Series Hamburg event on July 14, in a statement said: “The Iron Kids triathlon is where I did my very first triathlon. I think I was seven years old. It is wonderful that the race has continued to be held every year, and the fact that this year’s event had a record 300 kids entered, is simply amazing. I wish I could have been there to witness it in person.”

She added: “I’d like to thank Clarien Bank for sharing my passion for triathlon, and the positive impact sport has on the youth of Bermuda. I’m humbled by the donation to The Flora Fund and pledge to direct the funds to deserving talent later this year.”

Ms Duffy has also won the ITU Cross Triathlon world championships, and is a multiyear winner of the Xterra world championships. She was awarded the OBE this month for her services to sport in Bermuda.

Michael DeCouto, Clarien’s chief digital and marketing office, presented the donation. He said: “Clarien is honoured to make this donation to The Flora Fund. Flora has been an inspiration to everyone in Bermuda, not just for her spectacular world-class athletic achievements but for her humility and humanity off the race course. Those qualities are epitomised by The Flora Fund and her willingness to give back to the community.

“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Clarien Iron Kids and its continued success as one of the island’s leading youth sports events. Flora has shown what can be achieved with determination and hard work and we look forward to more of our Iron Kids following in her illustrious footsteps.”

Contributions to The Flora Fund can be made online through the Bermuda Community Foundation’s donation page or offline by completing a Gift Intention Form. For more details contact the Bermuda Community Foundation at 294-4959