Popular figure skater Miki Ando donated almost 2 million yen to UNICEF on Monday, made through the sales of wristbands she designed.
After securing her spot the previous day on Japan's Winter Olympic team for Turin, Italy, next year, Ando visited UNICEF House in Minato Ward, Tokyo, to present a certificate making the donation official.
Ando designed the Twinkle Band wristband to raise money for needy children, and 6,637 have been sold over the Internet over the past month for 300 yen.
The proceeds will be used to support UNICEF activities.
"I want to keep performing with smiles for the people who shared my idea to buy the bands," Ando said.
While visiting UNICEF House, the skater chatted with elementary and junior high school students who wished her well at the Olympics.
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