(WINTER HAVEN, FLA.) – WBC Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto (Winter Haven, Fla.) is devastated by the catastrophic earthquake, which hit the island nation of Haiti on Tuesday. He had the following comments about the tragedy and rescue efforts he will be developing to assist the people in the island nation.
“I’m devastated by everything currently happening in Haiti. As everybody knows, I have a lot of family members in Haiti and proudly represented Haiti in the 2004 Olympic Games. Like many other Haitian-Americans, my family and I are working to reach my loved ones. From what we have learned to this point, some of my family members are still missing and we have already been informed that members of my family have passed away in the earthquake..
We are currently working on starting our own Haitian relief efforts, and I will be releasing additional information on how everyone can help very soon. I am asking everyone for their continued thoughts and prayers for the people in Haiti during this devastating time.”
WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS
January 14, 2010 – Mexico City.
From WBC President José Sulaiman: “The WBC has received several extremely concerned calls about the tragic earthquake in Haiti, and I am asking the boxing family to once again step forward and offer support either with cash or supplies to the millions in need.
“We are deeply touched, and join WBC champion Andre Berto in these very difficult moments, as he has lost family members in that nation, and also join WBC champion Jean Pascal and former WBA champion Joachim Alcine in their prayers, hoping their families and friends are well.
“We are very happy that promoter Jacques Deschamps is well, but he has reported that the conditions in his country are beyond human comprehension.
“In 1985, Mexico City suffered a terrible earthquake that killed thousands of people and at that time, the world united and provided aid and support to Mexico. The world of boxing united when the tsunami hit Asia. It united again during the recent Philippine tragedy after the hurricane, and after hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. We are asking the world to once again come together to help Haiti.
“The WBC is sending today a container of water to Haiti, and any support offered directly or through the WBC will be highly appreciated. Anyone can contact the Embassy or Consulate of Haiti to send supplies, or you may contact the WBC offices in Mexico City: Mauricio Sulaiman, msulaiman@wbcboxing.com, 52-55) 5715-0309, or 52-55) 5119-5274, to help to arrange any donations.”