Mirra donates prize money to Josh Harrington’s sister.

May 09, 2007

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 11427 times

The man who has become known for making miracles happen on his bike is now doing his part to make miracles happen for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Greenville BMX star Dave Mirra recently donated $20,000 to the eastern North Carolina chapter of the NMSS after winning the money during the Toyota Celebrity/Pro Grand Prix of Long Beach earlier this month. Mirra, who is best known for his success competing on the freestyle BMX circuit, won the pole for the celebrity race held April 15 in Long Beach, Calif. Earning the top starting spot was worth $15,000, and the 33-year-old took home an additional $5,000 for winning the race.

He informed race officials of his intentions to donate the money right away, and they transferred it to the local coordinators. Mirra said the donation was in honor of fellow Greenville BMXer Josh Harrington’s sister Haley, who is stricken with the condition. His money went toward her team — Hallelujah Haley — which participated in the MS Walk April 14 in Greenville.

“Josh is a friend, and I know that his sister Haley is diagnosed with MS, so I wanted to donate the money to support her and I’m glad I had that opportunity,” Mirra said. “I was originally going to donate it to the skateparks, but I’ve given money to the skateparks in the past so I figured this would be a good cause.”

Mirra left little doubt in winning the Grand Prix . He took an early lead from the pole and never lost it en route to the victory. The win was even sweeter for Mirra considering he lost any chance of catching leader Bucky Lasek because of mechanical problems last year.

“It felt really good,” said Mirra, who holds more X Games medals than any other athlete. “After last year, they gave me another shot at it and I was psyched for it. I knew that I could drive, and you put in a lot of time for it so it’s frustrating when something happens like last year. The race is so much fun, but you’re there to win.”

Mirra competed with 16 other stars of film, television, radio and sports. Former tennis star Martina Navratilova took second in the race, and soap opera actor Josh Morrow finished third. All the competitors were driving a Toyota Scion tC.

By The Daily Reflector

From Josh Harrington:

My sister Haley is the happiest person I know even with a very difficult sickness that challenges her every day. Huge thanks to Dave for donating to the MS foundation in honor of my sister. More than the money it has made Haley feel very special having Dave honor her and show that he admires her for here courage even with what she has to go through. She is a huge motivation to a lot of the riders and people in Greenville with her will to show people that it doesn’t take as much as you think to find peace and happiness. Thanks again Dave, for making Haley’s smile a little bigger.

Josh