In 2010, several entertainment and soccer professionals will be traveling to Haiti for the soccer portion of One Week's Wisdom. The Soccer clinic is set up so that volunteer celebrity coaches experience life in Haiti through the eyes of its youth. Together they will create the sense of immediate belonging one has on a team.
Our on the ground Haitian partner is Robert Duval's Athlétique d'Haiti. They are the ideal partner for us to be working with as they nurture the whole child by creating an after school sports and tutoring program complete with nutrition that compliments our vision. The children (over 1300 served) represent a mix of Haiti's wealthiest and poorest, thereby breaking down some of the barriers of long divided Haitian society. And while their talent may or may not be in sports per se, it is the sense of worth they have on the field that will help lift them out of the cycle of misery and perform their best on and off the field.
A few years ago, L'Athlétique d'Haiti briefly hosted a few of the New York Bulls players. Although the pros' impact was limited as they had little time to play and connect with the youth they met, the experience changed their lives for the better as they continue to blog about the experience several years later.
In contrast, OWWP program is centered on creating an immediate sense of belonging one has on a team by fostering this feeling of unity on and off the field for 5 days. There will be 4 teams of Haitian youth: 3 teams of boys, and perhaps most exciting, a new team - girls ages 8 to 13. Volunteers will host meals at their hotel, visit schools, meet families and share time on and off the field with their team players. When they will be paired with youth who often have not received so much as true respect - they will respond with their hearts. They will be there to play - to share - to give, but also to receive. They can then return to the US and allow the ripple effect of compassion to merely grow in their own circle of loved ones - or more likely, to the public that they inadvertently affect, as well as to the youth of Haiti who will have been uplifted and regained hope.
point person - Laura Anduze
Your support is greatly appreciated. A sponsor (as with our other programs) has expressed an interest (specifically the girls team) in considering this a pilot program that they would replicate long term. For information on how to donate a tax deductible contribution in cash or kind to this program specifically please contact Cosima or Laura otherwise please view our how you can help page for an online link. We appreciate it all - the cost of a pair of cleats to the sports clinic itself. Thank you.
