A Success Story for Haitian Girl and the Haitian Sports Foundation
For one girl from a town sixty miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti once accessible only by driving through two rivers and many nearly impassible roads, a triumph has happened. After joining a new karate program in August 2011 and one year of devoted practice, Ms. Elizabeth Presmy competed in the annual American Federation of Martial Arts (AFMA) tournament. The tournament was recently held in Panama City, Panama. She competed against several countries in Latin America in her age group 17-18, and was awarded a Silver Medal in “kata” (patterns of Karate movements practiced either solo or in pairs).
The karate program was started by The Haitian Sports Foundation (HSF), which was the first significant sports program for this community. Since its inception, which is led by “Professor” Diegue Blendell of Cap Haitian, the program quickly grew to over 90 participants, many between the ages of 7 and 18.
Mr. Turnier Esperance, President of HSF, said, “This achievement reflects the endless possibilities for children when given an opportunity and have the desire to succeed. Interestingly, some of the children who practice karate in Anse-a-Veau walk five miles or more to attend classes. I am extremely proud of our programs and the dedicated members of our organization.”
Mr. Diegue Blendell, and Mr. Wilfrid Jean-Pierre, HSF monitors competed in the black belt division against strong competition and won a total of seven Gold and Silver Medals. Mr. Blendell conducts several karate classes each week in a small building once home to local goats, that has been totally renovated by the Haitian Sports Foundation. It serves as the HSF base of operations in Anse-à-Veau.
In 2011, Anse-à-Veau deeded five acres of land to HSF, whose goal is to build a community and sports center for track, basketball, volleyball, martial arts, dance and cultural activities that will not only serve the local residents, but also a much larger region of the country called Nippes. The need is great and the opportunity to changes lives is unlimited. There has been a great deal of emphasis on rebuilding Haiti due to recent disastrous events, however the need for education and extra curricular activities is just as necessary,
HSF was founded in 2006 and has been promoting sports activities and funding instructors, teachers and monitors to work with children ever since. The opportunity to deliver high quality programs and leadership to the children of Haiti is limitless. We want to urgently build a Basketball court and a Track field to allow the kids to excel into sports and their environment. Anyone who would like to learn more about HSF and its programs or to make a donation, please visit www.haitian sportsfoundation.org. You can also contact them by calling (718)740-3493.
Twitter: www.twitter/haitisportsfdn
htpp://www.facebook.com/HSF4Youth
email: haitiansportsfoundation@gmail.com
Bridget O'Brien
bridget@bridgetobrienprandevents.com
917-733-3617
154 12th Avenue New York, NY
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