Sports

When Raoul Romain, a graduate of Ichabod Crane High School and an avid soccer player, visited Haiti during the summer of 2008 he couldn’t resist those young people who hangout on the school ground, thirsty for some action. As Marie Jamie had pointed out “I couldn’t believe how these young kids hang out the school’s ground even during the summer.” While most students in the States will travel, work or do activities away from the school ground, in Haiti it seems that for most students the school is the place where the action is.” This summer of 2009 the students have expectations. Great expectations.

A visitor to HCDP’s website who read the report with the picture last year of the soccer team will no doubt see a very enthusiastic and eager group of children standing proudly with their soccer ball. That is the group Romain puts together to play ball, but he made a promise to return. Returned, he did this summer of 2009. Raising his own funds to cover his airfare and sport equipment for his team, Romain returned to Haiti with soccer jerseys, shorts, cleats and other necessary soccer equipment to dress up his team. For three (3) weeks Romain took his team to the field to practice and exercise. Although the condition of the field was not ideal, for these students Romain’s return brought them hope and joy for a game he and they love passionately. The team is now inspired. They are having a summer again this year at COMIVOD. For Romain the joy of sharing with these students his acquired soccer skills from the soccer field of Ichabod Crane Central School is a great reward in itself.

As always, more needs to be done. Romain (wearing white T-shirt), a third year International Business student at UMass, Boston would love to do more for these young kids. As one can see

the team is growing. More uniforms are needed, more everything is badly needed. I was touched during my visit to the school after

Romain has left to see the players getting ready to do their practice run like their coach had taught them when this youngster, who will not be left behind, decided to create his own shin guard out of cardboard. (That... is recycling for you )Soccer is in their blood, and Romain is nourishing that blood with a passion. The passion he developed on ICC’s soccer field is now transported to Haiti’s school children Please support this soccer project. More schools are already interested in establishing this program and the recycling project for their students. Your support will be greatly appreciated.