Ever-resourceful Haitians find a way to follow their beloved Brazil during WC 2010 One of the best sideshows of WC 2010 has been the passion it stirs in fans. For utter exuberance, it's hard to rival Haitians -- a country whose team hasn't qualified for the tournament in 36 years. All of Haiti, it seems, roots for the Seleção, thanks to a long-standing friendship between the countries and Brazil's critical role in peace-keeping efforts. Check out this video from 2004, when the Brazilian national team played a "Game for Peace" organized by the Brazil-led UN mission in Port-au-Prince when the country was torn in pieces over the Aristide coup. Does soccer diplomacy get any better?
As the country struggles to rebuild after the devastating earthquake, foutbòl has taken on even greater meaning. The WC games have been broadcast live on every TV channel and the UN set up 17 large-screen TVs in tent camps and public areas. Not surprisingly, Brazil was the first country to donate to the relief effort.
Happily, half the pool's spoils are headed to L'Athletique D'Haiti, a sports and education program that works with 1,500 youth and their families in the Cité de Soleil slum of Port-au-Prince. In addition to soccer training, the students receive meals and a basic education. The program was founded by Boby Duval, a former soccer star, political prisoner and human rights activist. After the earthquake, more than 2,000 people took refuge in tents on LADH's fields.
Thanks, WC 2010 Poolers, for your contributions. Win or lose, we're all contributing in a small way to the rebuilding efforts and the joy of fellow soccer fans in Haiti.
2 comments:
that vid is amazing. and i thought i liked me some football... that's a whole different level. great stuff.
this one makes me well up darlings. . .
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