Growing the Game around the World
During my time at the University of Oklahoma I had the privilege to go on an overseas trip to Haiti, in order to spread education as well as sport. A group of about thirty athletes went with some supervisors and coaches to visit local schools and help the community in any way that we could. During our two week stay, we were introduced to so many amazing people with beautiful as well as heartbreaking stories. We worked to paint houses, trees, and spread kindness and love throughout the community that we visited.
​
​
​
​
​
​
While we were only in Haiti two weeks, what truly amazed me about this life changing experience was the people we came encounter with. Not only were they generous and kind having so little themselves, but their love for learning and growing astounded me. At many of the local schools there were courts and playgrounds for the children to play on. These safe spaces ensured that the children could participate in athletics while still being in a safe environment. Every day these young children would look forward to free time when they could go outside and play with one another. However, what struck me as interesting was that they were just as excited to be in the classroom and learn new things. Even though they were not sure about the future of their education, these children wanted to take advantage of any knowledge they were given. The kids were hungry to grow and hungry to be better in all aspects of life.
The children of Haiti reminded me why I fell in love with sport and education in the first place. These environments provide a safe place for young people to come learn and grow without fear of failure. Regardless of background or situations that are out of ones control, sport is a place where individuals can let go and be themselves. It is my hope that I can create an environment in which children are hungry to learn and grow as learning life lessons that they can take on and apply over time
Images on this page are my own taken in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti