Terps Raise Money For Haiti Relief
3/11/2010 7:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
March 11, 2010
Donate to Sporting Chance Foundation
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland men's soccer program teamed up with Under Armour to raise relief funds for a "Work for Cash" program to help Haitians rebuild the Port-au-Prince region following January's devastating earthquake. T-shirts donated by Under Armour were sold by members of the soccer program with 100% of profits going directly to the Sporting Chance Foundation.
Former Maryland soccer standout Seth Stammler founded the Sporting Chance Foundation in 2007 to help improve the standard of living for Haitian residents. Stammler, who currently plays for the New York Red Bulls, founded the organization after a six-day service trip to Haiti in 2006.
"With [the Maryland soccer team's] help we raised a great deal of money that will go a long way in our efforts to help rebuild Port-au-Prince," said Stammler. "Without the commitment of the Maryland Soccer Family, I know we would not have been able to make as big of an impact in Haiti as we have following January's earthquake."
Members of the soccer team found extra motivation from a familiar face as freshman midfielder and Port-au-Prince native Widner Saint Cyr still has many family members living in the area. Saint Cyr's sister, brother and grandmother all survived the earthquake but are still coping with the aftereffects.
"As a native of Haiti, I would like to thank the Sporting Chance Foundation, the Maryland Soccer Family, and Under Armour for contributing and helping to bring relief to the people affected by this great tragedy," Saint Cyr said. "This project is very much appreciated by myself and even more appreciated by those people that are now in need in Haiti."
Immediately following January's disaster, head coach Sasho Cirvoski knew his players would desire to help with relief efforts any way they could.
"This endeavor particularly touched home for our staff and players because of the impact it had on Saint Cyr and his family," Cirovski said. "I'm very proud of our boys for going out of their way to help those in need."
T-shirts are still available for purchase and fans are encouraged to offer their support for Haiti relief efforts by logging on to www.sportingchancefoundation.org or following the link
