ARTICLE - AMPUTEE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

END OF THE 2ND EDITION OF AMPUTEE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
(Haiti Libre) -

Almost unnoticed in the news, the 2nd edition of the amputee football tournament, ended March 31, reminds us Martine Denis Chandler of the Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of Disabled People.

This sporting event, was held in Port-au-Prince, thanks to the support from the Office of the Secretary of State for Integration of Persons with Disabilities (BSEIPH) and the financial support of the "Christian Blind Mission" (CBM), in preparation for the participation of Haiti in the Amputee Football World Cup, in England.

Giscard Ciney, the director of the Haitian Association of Amputee Football (AHFA) has indicated that this tournament was also intended to give more visibility to amputee footballers. "It is very important for us to always educate the Haitian public. Disabled people have a lot of potential in contrast to what people ordinarily think. This football tournament is there to prove it."

Four teams from the metropolitan area, the Grenadiers Amputees, the FC Lion, FC Madrid and the FC PHAHR took part in this competition which was won by the Grenadiers amputees against FC Lion. The players are all amputees of at least one upper or lower limb, and move on the ground, mostly using crutches.

For Orimor Luxene, Captain of the Grenadiers amputees, the essential for a disabled person is not to believe being different from others. . "We must have confidence in ourselves. It is not because we lack limbs that we can not do anything. I am comfortable and I want to worthily represent my country abroad", referring to the next World Cup in England.

Haitian amputee football, has grown considerably after January 12, 2010. There are more than a half-dozen amputee football clubs in Haiti. Most are in Port-au-Prince and work with the support of the AHFA. The association would like to open more clubs in the country, especially in provincial towns. To this end, a tour to the north of the country, will be organized by AHFA. "We will go to St. Marc, Gonaïves and Cap Haïtien to see what are the possibilities to open Football clubs there for amputees. But it will not be easy," stressed Giscard Ciney.

Indeed, the AHFA, looking for sponsors, has not yet the support it deserves. Its main partner and almost the only one remains the BSEIPH. "This association, although young has already proven itself. It is normal that we support it. Sport, in addition to benefits for those who practice it, is a good tool to raise awareness on the problems of people with special needs," explained Gérald Oriol Jr., Secretary of State for the Integration of Disabled People.