Michael Phelps was keynote speaker at Champion Honors Luncheon

Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps will be the keynote speaker at Friday’s Champion Honors Luncheon, benefiting the Barbara Sinatra Center for Abused Children.

The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. at Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Spa, 44600 Indian Wells Lane.

The 31-year-old Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, will share some life stories at Friday’s event, which benefits the center’s programs for abuse prevention and counseling for children who have suffered abuse.

Phelps said he was “extremely honored” to have been invited to the event. “I applaud the efforts of Barbara and Frank in establishing a facility and program 30 years ago for children who have suffered abuse,” he said.

Sportscaster Alex Flanagan, who covered some of Phelps’ Olympic performances, will conduct an onstage conversation with Phelps, a highly popular figure whose career has not been free of controversy.

In November 2004, Phelps, then 19, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Salisbury, Maryland, pleaded guilty and received 18 months of probation, a $250 fine, and was ordered to speak to high school students about drinking and driving. He said he had let down “a lot of people” across the country.

In February 2009, a picture surfaced showing Phelps using a bong at a party at the University of South Carolina, prompting USA Swimming to suspend him for three months and the Kellogg Co. to stop sponsoring him. He issued a public apology for what he called “inappropriate” behavior.

Trouble surged again in September 2014, when Phelps was arrested on alcohol-related DUI charges and for speeding in Baltimore. USA Swimming suspended him for six months, leading to setbacks for the United States at the 2015 World Aquatic Championships in Russia.

Tickets to the luncheon are $125. For information on obtaining tickets, call Laura Rogers at (760) 773-1636 or email her at Lrogers@emc.org.