August 2010
Plan to Work. Work to plan

When faced with a monumental task one is often recommended to prioritize. Although that is an excellent recommendation, it does not guarantee success. Initially difficulty arises as to how to prioritize one objective in the face of many competing objectives. Most people are paralyzed by this initial step. They struggle to initiate their movements, shaking and trembling with intent. If they had experience of prior success they would be assured, that though they are be unsteady, they can will themselves to reach their objectives with the mental certainty that they have done so countless times before. Yet many of us now faced with the condition of Haiti also tremble and struggle to take the first step with far less certainty because we have not been required to face a situation quite like this before. Yet I argue what are we to do? We must either decide to stand still, fall back, or lean forward shaking and at times stumbling to will ourselves to do what we have to do.

The plethora of problems that confront Haitian society are astounding as they have assuredly been for any society which has struggled to come out of a blighted period of social, political, and economic despair. Given the years of political instability, educational demise, economic pillage, and infrastructural deterioration all segments of the Haitian Society stands to benefit from improvement projects. Yet what are we to do? It is clear that like in business we stand to succeed with far greater certainty when we engage in activities that we are passionate about; and in acts and actions that we have expertise in. But most importantly, though rarely acknowledged, we are driven to succeed when we engage in activities from which we stand to "benefit".

So I encourage the doctor not to limit himself or herself only to medicine but to engage in the improving the healthcare of the Haitian People. I beg the professionals of the technology fields, educators, business persons to work both to their benefit and the mutual benefit of the Haitian people. It is certain that Haiti needs our help but it is also clear that we need Haiti. For many of us in the Diaspora being Haitian defines us. Furthermore, regardless of race, nationality, or any other defining characteristic, many of the people who support the works of the Haitian Sports Foundation (HSF) defines themselves through their action and commitment.

The work undertaken by the HSF has been to concretize in a very clear manner our steps along one particular path in the road to recovery and reconstruction of the Haitian Republic. This path is paved on the philosophy that sports and athletics is an essential pillar for nation building and social integration beyond socio-economic class. Firstly, we have placed great emphasis on the development and maintenance of grassroots programs that are aimed at working with the young people of our country. Many of the programs such as “Athletique D'Haiti and Pitye Pou Timoun in Port-Au-Prince, ANAM in Cap Haitien, and NEGES Foundation” in Leogane have used the martial arts as a vehicle for social change. In addition, soccer, table tennis, etc serves as our tools to reach and effect the young people of Haiti. In introducing Tai Chi to Haiti and organizing seminars for coaches and administrators from various sports we hope to shore the future of sports in Haiti. We continually look for opportunities to support, participate in, or develop new programs.

The need is vast and our resources are limited. The obligation to recruit volunteer, expertise, and fundraise is clear. Furthermore it is evident that the problems of Haiti cannot be entrusted just to one person or one organization. The flexibility and robustness that come with diversification amongst our duty bound organizations and compatriots must be nourished and encouraged. It is encouraged by mutual respect and support of each other in the actions we agree upon. It is nourished by the fervor of competition to succeed and produce for the mutual benefit of the Haitian people. We ought not to stand united. Rather, we should act in manners that unite to us. At times we may act from different geographic locations, philosophy, activities, intent, yet our outcomes may unite to the benefit the heterogeneous groups of Haitians. We can't all be on the same bus, but we can all benefit from the same roads and schools. It is a simple and illusive idea that is only made clear by working... working... and working.

Dr Delcasse Joseph
Long Island, New York
August 2010

August 2010
Haiti: We went, we saw but we cannot explain….

The first week of July we made a trip to Haiti to assess the state of mind of the children we support and witness the progress of the programs we provide assistance to.

We can’t explain why students are still having hard time to have basic school supplies and study in substandard class rooms;

We can’t explain why Haitians are still smiling and children are still wearing nice clothes to go to church;

We can’t explain why so little is done to rebuild Haiti’s infrastructure in spite of millions of dollars donation;

We can’t explain why the kids from our programs are smiling…These kids told us they need school supplies specifically computers and laptop. Yes, such request was made forcefully by the children since most of them have never touched a computer.

If you can donate a laptop and you can volunteer a few days to teach them computer skills, please contact us. Mr. Christopher Ross made his first trip to Haiti. At first he didn’t know what to expect but he was surprise to see how resilient the children are. He is now scheduled to return to Haiti to provide additional assistance to them.

Whatever skills you have, Haiti needs you. Please contact us and we will coordinate with local organizations to make sure that your help and support go directly to those in needs. If you want to sponsor a child and/or an academic instructor, please contact us. The programs need your assistance.

Regards
Turnier Esperance

HSF In Washington, DC

Haiti Solidarity Walk 2010

Washington DC, April 9th and 10th 2010—The Haitian Sports Foundation (HSF) in collaboration with National Organizational Advancement of Haitians (NOAH) was pleased to welcome the US Olympic Committee Athletes Advisory Council (USOC-AAC) members to a reception on April 9th 2010 at the Haitian Embassy in Washington DC. In addition to over 30 USOC-AAC members including Matt Van Houten and Jon McCaullough (AAC Vice Chairman); this event was also attended by Representatives of the Haitian Government including Ambassador Raymond Joseph, Ambassador Duly Brutus and Counselor Representative Pierre Laviolette. Also in attendance include officials: Stephane Rosenberg (Counselor of Cultural Affairs Haitian Embassy), Youri Emmanuel (Counselor Representative Haitian Embassy), Jack Sims (Commissioner City of District Heights Maryland), Linda Coleman (Alabama State Senator District 20) and others. This reception highlighted Haitian recovery and rebuilding efforts including reports of current HSF sport initiatives on the ground as well as current efforts underway by the USOC.

Day two of the event included a Haiti Solidarity Walk where members of the USOC-AAC joined together with the Haitian Sports Foundation and NOAH to pay tribute to victims of the January 12, Haiti-earthquake. The walk began at the Haitian Embassy and followed through to Dupont Circle ending back at the Haitian Embassy with brief remarks given by Ambassador Raymond Joseph, Mario Arthur President of the Haitian Sports Foundation, James Louis-Charles of HSF and Eric Walcott of NOAH and Dr. Joeseph Baptise Chairman of NOAH.

Also in attendance during the weekends events were Jonnie Williams and Tom I Ahart, distinguished members of the HSF Project Renaissance Committee".

Members of the USOC-AAC expressed interest in traveling to Haiti this summer to participate in summer camps and coaching workshops, organized by the Haitian Sports Foundation. HSF is looking forward to continuing to build lasting relationships with members of the USOC-AAC as HSF works to further development through sport in Haiti.

Tara Arthur
HSF International Coordinator

Our final 2009 editorial: HSF 2009 Accomplishments

The work has just begun.

We are slowly but surely reinforcing our presence in Haiti. We provide assistance to 5 children programs in P-au-P, two in Cap Haitian (North of Haiti) and one in Cayes (South of Haiti). 

This year HSF executives conducted several trips to Haiti to work with sports monitors in order to uplift their skills and ensure they are aware of latest martial arts rules so they can provide up to date assistance to the children.

The need is huge and requests are coming every day from other legitimate programs.  However, due to our limited resources, we can’t respond to the needs of all of them. We urge others to provide help.    

Our 2010 objective is to locate a permanent place to better channel sports equipment, food and provide direct assistance to the children. With your help we can do it.  The table below summarizes our 2009 accomplishments:

We thank our sponsors and those who continue to make HSF their favorite tax deductible organization.

Happy Holidays

May 2010 be the best for all of us including the children of Haiti. 

For HSF

Turnier Esperance

Our Final 2008 Editorial

In our 2007 editorial we reflected the "uncertain future" in the Haitian Karate organization. A year later the situation remains the same. Nothing has changed. The administration of Karate was taken over following the intervention of the "Haitian Olympic Committee ". A "crisis committee" was formed since July 2008 with the objective to:

• Develop new bylaws

• Encourage the two opposite groups to speak to one another

• Identify all existing Karate clubs

• Conduct new election

To date, the draft of a new bylaw was submitted for approbation. The Haitian Karate world is waiting for the final results… for the new leadership.

If the organization of Karate is somewhat paralyzed in Haiti, the administration of Judo through its broken league remains also paralyzed in the Haitian Diaspora. The crisis forces many to:

• Give up all fight to organize and assemble as one

• Fade away from the martial arts scene

• Give up all support to our athletes

Both scenarios are disturbing and counter productive. Both scenarios are not promising for the future of our athletes. Can 2009 be truly the year of change for us? Can 2009 see the martial artists in the Diaspora bury their differences and work for the common cause? The cynics may say "we tried it before". Can we overcome our weaknesses? Can we overcome our emotions? Can we change? We will share the results of our progress next year.

Happy Holiday

Turnier Esperance

Our Fall Editorial

Our October Review

In our last editorial we talk about our relevance in the Haitian Martial Arts. We urged our colleagues to roll up their sleeves and provided direct support to the Haitian athletes. Indeed, our recommendation was followed by Professor Jean-Robert Theodat, an executive member of Hamanet. Bravo.

The Good impact:

Working side by side on the ground with our Haitian athletes is extremely rewarding. While we are learning from them, they are also learning from us. Yes, we bring expertise. Yes we bring equipment. Yes we bring technical knowledge and up to date information on martial arts rules and regulations. We feel that we are contributing to a great cause. The needs of our athletes are huge. They are behind on the rules, the technology, the equipment and many more. Perhaps their leaders have done their best. Perhaps their leaders do not have all the necessary resources to develop excellent athletes. Perhaps their leaders have reached their optimum. Perhaps it is time for them to pass on the “baton” to a new generation. But which generation? Is the new generation qualified to continue the leadership role? Does the new generation have the technical expertise to instill to the athletes? Can the new generation do it alone? Perhaps! That is where we come in.

The synchronization between the Haitian athletes of the Diaspora and those in the motherland is a NECESSITY and an IMPERATIVE. There is no other way. We must encourage the continuous dialogue between Haitian martial artists and the Diaspora. Should that continue we will all be “relevant”? Don’t forget, as I mentioned in our previous editorial, relevance starts with you and your family first. You can’t be relevant if your children are not your top priority.

The uncertainty

While we encourage direct participation in Haiti, we must fight to conquer our “weaknesses” and do our utmost not to bring our differences to Haiti. If indeed we can’t talk to each other here in the Diaspora, please don’t follow the same approach in Haiti. If indeed we give up all dialogue due to misunderstanding and/or miscommunication, please don’t bring such behavior to Haiti. If indeed we let our emotions prevail in formal discussion, please don’t bring them to Haiti. We are all individually gifted. We are all full of “ego” and some even with “narcissistic” characterization. When it comes to working together for the good of the larger community we are all failing. If we can’t overcome our “weaknesses” how can we be good “role model” to others? How can we? How can you?

Turnier

2008: A Mid year assessment – How can you be relevant?

In our January 2008 editorial, we called for 2008 to be the year of actions, the year of results. As we are approaching mid year, the time has arrived to make an assessment. What have we delivered to the Haitian athletes? How relevant are we?

The “Dictionary” defines relevant as: “having significant and demonstrable bearing on facts or issues”. Have we?  Below are key rules in order to become relevant in the Haitian martial arts sports:

1. First and foremost, a true martial artist must be a responsible role model; a good father, mother, brother, sister, a mentor…. A parent who takes pride in his/her children progress and lead them towards a good education. A family member who is always there to providing, helping, challenging and inspiring their siblings. Only when we can apply this basic principle can we be ready to provide assistance to others. Have we?

2. We can become relevant by being on the ground in Haiti working side by side with the martial arts practitioners; supporting them, coaching them and providing guidance. “Shouting” from off shore will not make any difference to the current situation. The Haitian athletes are hungry. They have no resources, limited skills and very few professionals to develop them.  If we have not done so, we need to immediately change course and find ways to provide coaching and basic assistance to them. Then we can be relevant. “Criticism is easy but the art of doing is difficult”.

3. We can become relevant when you are ready to provide direct assistance to the athletes who are dealing with poverty, lack of food, no equipment to meet their basic training curriculum. We will become relevant when we are ready to do just that.

4. We will become relevant when we are no longer afraid to go to the mother land and provide direct assistance. Let us not be bystanders and  “cheerleaders” seating on the side line. Challenge ourselves as true martial artist. Go visit the motherland. Remember this is where we came from. We will become relevant when we are ready to do so.

5. Finally, we will become relevant when we are ready to provide direct assistance to an athlete, a program, a club, when we conduct workshop and maintain a sustain and continuous support.

Haiti needs people who are and willing to work directly with the athletes. There are many programs we can support. Can we objectively identify a list of 3 major accomplishments and/or direct contributions provided to the athletes in the past 2-3 years? What have we contributed? How many clubs and/or programs are we sponsoring? How many workshop have we conducted?  Our January 2008 editorial called for 2008 to be an action year. It’s not too late to become relevant. We have 6 months to salvage our reputation and become just that: “relevant”.

Martial Arts Workshop in Cap Haitian - A new beginning

Members of Haitian Sports Foundation in Cap Haitian - April 10-April 14^th 2008

On Thursday April 10th, members of the Haitian Sports Foundation (HSF) flew to Cap Haitian, Haiti to conduct a martial arts seminar with a selected number of Haitian athletes from different clubs. They receive the full attention of the members of the delegation and they are mandated to transfer their knowledge to other martial arts practitioners in their respective club. Twelve of them stayed in the hotel where food and lodging were fully paid by the foundation for the duration of the workshop.

Present in the HSF delegation were martial arts practitioners, medical doctors, nurses and philanthropists. The workshop covered the following topics:

1. Kumite & Kata  Techniques
2. World Karate Federation Rules
3. Human Anatomy
4. Dojo Administration
5. Physical Conditions
6. Working Together/Team Work
7. Roles & Responsibilities between students & instructors
8. Tai Chi Chuan
9. World Karate Federation, Pan American Karate Federation & Confederation Caribbean Karate Federation roles and responsibilities

The program was an eye opener for all the participants including some selected instructors who were trained on the latest WKF rules

It was also the first time that Tai Chi was introduced in Cap Haitian where Sifu Sonia Rivera trained an estimated number of close to 30 individuals.

Following the martial arts program, some members of HSF went to the main hospital in Milot to provide assistance to those who are sick specialement to one of the 12 athletes who had a tumor. He was successfully operated on and he is full recovered.

Unfortunately we couldn't extend the same program to our colleagues in P-au-P. It will be done next time. We would like to extend our thanks to the athletes of Cap Haitian and especially to the dynamic Donal Innocent and  Mario Montpoint for their support.

Finally, we wish a prompt and fully recovery to Nolly Jules whose students acted with a great deal of professionalism in the workshop. The participants were (See their pictures in the Gallery).

2008: Time to act - How to make a concrete impact

The time to make a difference in the lives of our athletes has arrived.  Now is the time to increase our collaboration with all the clubs in Haiti no matter what their official affiliation may be. There are several sports organizations operating in the Haitian Diaspora; many of them have already made a difference in the lives of some athletes in Haiti. We urge them to continue their philanthropic activity and increase their collaboration with other social and sports institutions.

Collaboration does not mean "capitulation" or "abduction". Collaboration does not mean "abandoning your principal and/or your organization". Joint initiatives can be developed to show to the athletes that the Diaspora can work together and can provide leadership.

Our recommendations to instructors and supporters are the following:

1. Identify an athlete, a club and/or a social program  to support

2. Perform a visit to the motherland and physically provide support to the athletes

3. Provide technical, financial , operational and professional support to clubs and legitimate social/philanthropic institutions

4. Develop a mechanism to ensure that your contribution makes a direct impact in the life of the athletes

The members of the Haitian Sports Foundation have identified and will continue to provide its support to several clubs and/or social programs in Haiti.  The time to work together has arrived. Since many of us are approaching our "retirement age"; it remains our responsibility to save our legacy and make an impact in the life of our athletes.  May the integration between Haiti and its Diaspora solidify.  Through hard work we can make a difference.

Continue to listen to our weekly (each Friday) intervention on "radio soleil" at 11:30 AM & 7:30PM or on the web at: www.radiosoleil.com

Visit our webs:

If you want to get involved in our Spring 2008 social and sports activities in Haiti, please visit: www.haitiansportsfoundation.com and contact us either through email and/or telephone.

Happy Holiday

Regards

Turnier Esperance
Haitiansportsfoundation@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE
Haitian Sports Foundation (HSF)

July 12, 2007
Long Live the Haitian Sports Foundation - Happy Birthday

The Executive Board members of HSF flew to Haiti with a delegation of 28 members including 7 athletes. Those members came from California, Idaho, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, DC.  Amongst them were doctor, nurse, teacher, athletes, students, entrepreneurs and philanthropist.

Our objectives were to:

• Perform medical clinics for athletes and their parents

• Conduct Karate seminar for the instructors

• Organize the first Karate international tournament

During our stay in Haiti, we visited two major programs (“Pitie Pou Ti Moun Yo”; “Atletic d’ayiti”) and conducted several medical clinics. In addition, we distributed several equipment including T-shirts, shorts and medical kit.  The children and their parents were very happy about the program and many took the opportunity to receive free health check up for their blood pressure, their heart rate...etc.

In addition to the medical clinics, we assessed the Karate progress of both programs and identified athletes who were ready to participate at the Sunday July 8^th international tournament.

The tournament took place at the Kinam II hotel in Petion-Ville. Present were athletes from Santo Domingo, US, and those who came from the Cap-Haitian, Cayes, Jacmel, Miragoane, and Carrefour…. An estimated of close to 150 athletes participated in the first Karate international tournament. The tournament followed the rules of the World Karate federation. Rules that were unknown to many of the participants including their instructors. It was good to see children from all social groups practicing Kata and fight together according to international guidelines; “a true social integration through sports” according to one HSF executive member. A total of 123 medals were earned and presented to the athletes. For most of them; that was their first participation in an international Karate forum.

Prior to the tournament, a two-day technical seminar was conducted by Shihan Georges Ashkar Jr, Sensei Turnier Esperance and two representatives from the World Karate Federation: Mr. Javier Mantilla and Patrick Richoux.

Mr. Mantilla presented to all 50 participants the history of technical fighting from the 1960’s to now. He gave to the athletes’ practical fighting techniques and how to fight in international tournament. An eye opener for all.

Indeed, the experience was well worth it.

Indeed it was a first.

Indeed the technical level needs to be improved.

Indeed we have a lot of work ahead of us.

Indeed they practice without proper uniform and equipment.

Indeed they practice without the proper infrastructure.

These athletes practice with conviction and fought with all the resources they have: their heart. They are all dedicated to the practice of Martial Arts.  They are hungry for better assistance. They need continuous training and a sense of hope. They are eager to learn and willing to represent our country at the international level. Some of them will have a chance to do just that in Istanbul, Turkey in the fall.

The need is huge.  There is place for everyone to help. There is huge pull of resources dedicated and ready to practice sports. It remains our duty to help directly the club through donation of sports equipment and medical kit. Nothing is small. All help will be welcome. The time to stay on the sideline is over. The time to wait until someone fails is over. There is a “new breeze” in our country. A sense of “nationalism” and pride and a willingness to work towards a “new Haiti”. We want to be part of it. We want to provide assistance to the athletes.  All participants were happy about the events.  HSF has been in existing for a year. We celebrated our anniversary by applying our vision in our country and in the heart of the athletes.  Soon, we will conduct other seminars in Kata, referee course and Kumite.    Today is Karate. Tomorrow will be Boxing, Track and Field…..etc.

Present at all events were:

Mario Arthur, HSF President

Turnier Esperance –   HSF VP Finance

Georges Ashkar Jr – HSF VP Operations

Rodrigue Belot – HSF Coordinator

Marie Carmelle Houanche, HSF Nurse

Dr. Joseph Delcasse HSF Counselor

Tara Arthur – HSF Editorialist  

For the Board:

Turnier Esperance

Email: haitiansportsfoundation@gmail.com

www.haitiansportsfoundation.com

April 2007
Your Help is Needed

July 15^th 2006

Several members of the Haitian Diaspora joined ranked to introduce the Haitian Sports Foundation (HSF).  HSF is a non profit organization. Its sole objective is to promote Haitian athletes and Haitian decent athletes living both in Haiti and in its Diaspora and encourage them to represent Haiti at major international sports events.  The foundation will function as an umbrella organization in the Diaspora where all other sport organizations will be MEMBERS. It will provide assistance and guidance based on specific guidelines set for by the executive committees.

The Organization will work closely with all existing Federations of Sports including Boxing, Basketball, Soccer, Judo, Karate, Athletism, Taekwondo, Volleyball and every other Association, Group and/or League whether Regional or Local for the preparation of athletes.

The Organization is represented by a Board. The Board consists of members from each discipline.  On June 30^th, three members of the Foundation (Mario Arthur, Rodrigue Belot and Turnier Esperance) traveled to Haiti where they met with the executive members of the “Comite Olympique d”Haiti” (COH) and other officials from the different federations where they presented the objectives of the foundation and submit both short and long term goals.

A branch of the foundation was introduced in Haiti. The branch will report directly to the corporate branch located in the US. The Haitian branch will be headed by athletes who have dedicated their lives for the promotion of sports in Haiti.  The branch in Haiti will be headed by Lionel Abellard, Henri Abellard, Leo Cartwright,  Mrs Georges Charles and supported by other members such as Ambassador Emmanuel Ford, Robert Duval, Jonas Guillaume etc. They are working hard to finalize the composition of the Haitian branch executive board.

• Mario Arthur, President

• Turnier Esperance, Executive Vice President

• Georges Aschkar, Vice President of Operations