Sports as Ice Breaker

The Iowa Friendship Team plays soccer outside HAFF's
front gate in April.

In any country, sports are a great way to break down cultural and language barriers. Some recent visitors brought the game of baseball to Haiti, but an assured way to break down barriers between Haitians and Americans is the game of soccer. Usually, when American Friendship teams visit, at least one soccer game is planned for them. The Haitians generally take an easy win, but the American visitors are always good sports.

The Iowa Friendship Team plays basketball at HAFF
in April.

In addition to soccer, visitors usually play basketball with Haitian students on the half-court at HAFF. These activities have plenty of variety. There can be any number of players on each team or they may just have shooting contests.

The Michigan Friendship Team plays basketball at HAFF
in January.

Often, after soccer or basketball games, students can sit down with the visitors and talk more candidly. Sports, having already given the two a bond, makes becoming friends that much easier! The HAFF staff enjoys seeing the friendships that are made through sports and hopes that they continue to be a part of the HAFF ministry for years to come!


Thanks to April Lambiotte for the photos and information in this story.