The youth of Haiti watched the Olympics in February, and they wait with excitement for the World Cup in mid-June; however, those aren’t the only sporting events to attract their attention. The month of May brought the 7th Edition of the National Games, an exciting competition for the Salesian youth of Haiti.
From May 17th to 20th over 1,000 Salesian youth from eight departments of the country descended on the Salesian communities in Thorland for a long weekend of fun and friendship. Representing both the communities of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and the Salesian sisters (FMA), the teams had been training long and hard before departing for the games. Carrying their mattresses, clothes, and snacks, the participants looked around with enthusiasm as they arrived at the centers. Though tired from long journeys, they were ready to jump into an action-packed schedule. The following days would bring boys and girls tournaments in soccer, volleyball, basketball, handball, and track, as well as much time for new friends and camaraderie.
On Sunday morning the final games of the tournament were held, and the youth made their way up to the chapel for the Mass of Pentecost. The banner at the front of the chapel reminded the young athletes of the theme for the weekend. It read: “Youth continue to discover their vocations.” The games were about more than just competing. They were also a tool to help these young people discover their own gifts and talents and ultimately their own paths in life. The provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Haiti, Père Jean Paul Mesidor, presided at the Mass, and he congratulated the youth and reminded them of the lessons from these days. Then, the great achievements of the teams and athletes were recognized. The athletes claimed their hard-won trophies, and then they prepared to head home.
All in all, It was a weekend that Don Bosco would smile at seeing. As he used to say: “Run, jump, shout, but do not sin.”
