MLS Phoenix Rising

An Opportunity to Help Disabled Footballers in Haiti

// August 5th, 2010 // No Comments » // International, Other Countries

MLS Phoenix Rising recently learned the principals of Phoenix Pro Soccer (PPS) have another exciting project in the works. While many in the Phoenix area know about PPS’s efforts to bring a professional soccer franchise to the Valley, they believe their upcoming personal mission work is a bit more important in the greater scheme of things. PPS’s managing partners, Chris Campasano and Edward Sakiewicz, will be traveling to Port-au-Prince, Haiti on August 12, 2010, on a mission trip with Dr Fred Sorrells from the International Institute of Sport to help organize and select the first-ever Haitian National Amputee Football Team. The team will be assembled in Haiti in preparation for their participation in the Amputee Football World Cup to be held in Crespo, Argentina from October 16-27, 2010.

Once the selection process is completed and the team is formed, Campasano and Sakiewicz will be working to bring the team to the US and the Phoenix area in mid-September for pre-tournament training before the World Cup begins which will provide the players–who have been affected by the severe earthquake that hit the Caribbean nation and killed an estimated 230,000 people–an opportunity to prepare in the proper fashion for their upcoming competition.

Chris and Ed are seeking donations and assistance to provide not only the needed equipment, supplies, and necessities for their trip, but also to help fund the Haitian Amputee Football Team’s travels to the US. If you would like to help monetarily, you can make an online donation here, If you can donate needed soccer equipment, want to donate by check, are able to transfer airline travel miles for their efforts, or know of any sponsors willing to help, please e-mail Chris Campasano directly to let him know how you can help. Chris and Ed will update MLS Phoenix Rising on developments during their trip to Haiti and as soon as the Haitian team’s schedule to travel to Phoenix is finalized. This is a significant opportunity to support some very courageous athletes. Please consider helping in any way you can.