Osim International donated $44,000 to the Singapore Swimming Association (SSA) and its adopted charity, The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF), on Saturday night as part of the Aquatics Heart and Hope Campaign.

The campaign, launched in November, pegged the amount donated to the performance of the SSA's athletes at the SEA Games in Myanmar last month.

Osim had pledged $2,000, $1,000 and $500 for each gold, silver and bronze medal won by Singapore's aquatic sports athletes, up to a total of $60,000.

In all, the SSA charges delivered 12 golds, 11 silvers and 12 bronzes in Naypyidaw.

Of the $44,000, 70 per cent will go to the SPMF, while the remainder will go to the SSA.

The SSA intends to use its share for a training sponsorship programme for talented under-privileged children. The funds will cover part of their training fees at local swimming clubs.

In addition, the SSA will use the funds to organise talks by athletes and coaching clinics for SPMF beneficiaries.

General manager of Osim Singapore Lynn Tan said: "The cash-for-medals scheme by the SSA is a brilliant idea to spur our swimmers on and, at the same time, help underprivileged school children through the School Pocket Money Fund.

"Together, we can inspire them to overcome life's challenges."

Edwin Ker, executive director of the SSA, added: "We strongly believe in using sports to drive social change and provide opportunities for the underprivileged, and we are honoured that Osim shares our vision."