Haitian amputee soccer team visits MCC
Joseph Starkloff
The International Institute of Sport (IIOS) brought the Haitian national amputee soccer team to Mesa to play with MCC athletes and students on Nov. 9. IIOS is a non-profit organization designed to improve the quality of life for disabled individuals in less economically developed nations.
The underlining goal has been to reestablish a disabled person’s independence.
Fred Sorrells, president of IIOS, explained the positivity he felt the Haitian soccer team represented.
“Finally there’s a good news story coming out of Haiti. The amputee soccer team rose out of the ashes of the earthquake, and has been on the world stage in Argentina, and have now visited the great city of Mesa, Ariz.,” he said.
The team spent the previous month in Argentina to compete in the World Cup.
“We (IIOS) have a huge debt that we incurred to get the team to South America for the world cup, about $30,000. So we encourage people to contribute,” Sorrells said.
He stressed that events such as these were beneficial for the psyche of the participants and the handicapped individuals.
“(It’s) extremely therapeutic for our guys (and) extremely affirming to people in places like Haiti where once you get a disability your considered an outcast, and really have not value to society. It says to these guys, ‘hey guys, somebody thinks something of us,’ and they go back with a huge amount of self esteem, a can do attitude and realize that they can make a difference,” Sorrells said.
Chris Campasano, managing partner of Phoenix Pro Soccer and director of soccer for IIOS, identified the event as a success.
“The number of people here isn’t necessarily a determination of success. It’s who was here and what kind of contacts that can help with the sport,” he said.
Those interested in donating to IIOS, or wanting to learn more about the soccer team, can find information at www.iisport.org
