Haití - País en crisis

Soccer stars play for Haitian children

© Miami/Hugo Ivan Munoz/2004

1994 World Cup champions poses with school children

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By Kate Donovan

NEW YORK, 16 November 2004 - Legendary football players from Brazil (winners of the 1994 World Cup) took on the Haitian National team in Miami last Saturday in a game to benefit the children of Haiti whose lives have been affected by Tropical Storm Jeanne.

Five dollars from each of the tickets sold will go directly to supporting UNICEF's work for Haitian children. In addition, UNICEF sold commemorative T-shirts to raise additional funds. Brazilian star striker Romario promised to donate $2,000 for children, plus an additional $1000 for every goal he scored. 

For one young soccer player, it was a night to remember. Kaila Jospitre, 8, was one of 50 children who escorted the players onto the field.

After her moment in the spotlight, Kaila settled into the stands to root for her heroes on her favourite team - Haiti - and to chat with her friends, under the eye of her father and his friends a few rows back.

"I like all the friends you meet when you play," she said.  "I really like it when you win, 'cause all the fun and parties you have afterwards."

Kaila's parents are Haitian, and she was born in the US. Unlike many children in Haiti, Kaila has received an education, proper vaccinations and good nutrition. For comparison, a child born in Haiti in 2003 can expect to live to age 50, while a child born in North America can expect to live to 70.

On the soccer field, youth was the deciding factor, although the game was close. Brazil fielded nine players from the 1994 team while Haiti's players are younger and in their prime.  Brazilian goalkeeper Taffarel told reporters: "It was difficult for us. They run a lot and they were 20 years younger." 

Haiti won by one goal, and Romario did not score. The veteran Taffarel put things into perspective: ''The important reason we were here was for the kids. 'Hopefully our contributions will be a big help.''

Kaila thinks about helping Haiti too.  She last visited when she was two or three years old.  She would like to help: "If I had a lot of food, I would share it with all the people who didn't have it, and I would let the homeless share my bed." 

In November, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan designated 2005 as the International Year of Sport and Physical Education and unveiled plans for a year-long push to highlight the power of sport for bridging cultural and ethnic divides and improving people's lives. "Sport is a universal language. At its best it can bring people together, no matter what their origin, background, religious beliefs or economic status," Mr. Annan said.