The International Institute of SPORT & JRS Medical Bring Soccer to the Amputees From Haiti's Earthquake

With the 2011 South American Brotherhood Cup for Amputees coming soon to Argentina the Haitian amputee soccer team realizes they are not yet ready for the big leagues. The Second Edition of the South American Brotherhood Cup will be held in Crespo, Entre Rios, Argentina November 20-17, 2011. The Haitian National amputee soccer team hopes to be ready to compete next year. Thanks to JRS Medical, they actually have a chance.

The 2011 year will go down as a record breaking year of disaster relief for the U.S and Central America. JRS Medical feels a need to do our part in assisting those in need. JRS Medical has continued to participate in relief help for the disaster in Haiti even after the news crews left the country. JRS Medical co women's coats ntinues to donate a percentage of their sales for a large donation to Samaritan's Purse for purchase of medical supplies. When the tornadoes destroyed Birmingham, Alabama, JRS donated a percentage of sales for that disaster relief. Locally JRS Medical donates surplus inventory to shelter homes. Monthly JRS Medical donates one half of a day's work time to clothing distribution. Below is a detailed account of how JRS Medical makes a difference on a global level.

Following the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti on January 10, 2011 the International Institute of SPORT assisted with the initial relief effort. Afterwards their efforts turned to their main advocacy role of using therapeutic recreation to assist people with disabilities. Due to the large number of earthquake related amputees the Institute promoted amputee soccer as a major adaptive sport. An international sport developed over thirty years ago in the USA, amputee soccer utilizes arm amputees for goal keepers and leg amputees for the fielders.

The only adaptive equipment required is forearm crutches for the leg amputee fielders. In his efforts to locate the forearm crutches to initiate the amputee soccer program in Haiti, Dr. Fred Sorrells, president of the International Institute of SPORT, searched the internet for durable medical supply companies. He came across JRS Medical on March 18, 2010 and spoke to company representative, Ray Scott. It turned out to be a providential conversation.

Through Ray's efforts the company donated boxes of durable medical equipment from their inventory to the relief effort as well as accessories for repairing used crutches. JRS Medical provided invaluable assistance in helping Dr. Sorrells select the best forearm crutches for the Haiti National amputee soccer team to use when they competed in the 2010 World Cup of Amputee Soccer in Argentina. Last month JRS Medical once again assisted Dr. Sorrells in securing forearm crutches that will be used in developing amputee soccer programs in Haiti for girls and women. On behalf of the amputee soccer relief effort in Haiti, the International Institute of SPORT would like to thank JRS Medical and particularly, Ray Scott, for the invaluable service rendered to the Haitian earthquake victims. This practical kindness and compassion will always be remembered and appreciated.

Here's to seeing the Haitian team at the 2012 Amputee World Cup tournament in Iran. After seeing their courage and heroism through this tumultuous year, we believe this Hatian team can compete against any country in front of the national spotlight.

###