The sports industry can stimulate Haiti's economy ? his is the question that the 1st Sport Business Forum will attempt to provide answers and perspectives. A dozen international experts and athletes are in Haiti to share their knowledge and experience with sports professionals and the various entities, institutions and enterprises of public and private sectors.

The 1st Sport Business Forum on the economy of sport, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action, the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation, the Primature, through the Council for Economic and Social Development (CDES), and the Investment Facilitation Centre (IFC), will be held October 24 at the Royal Oasis Petionville. During this day that will be opened by the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, 7 workshops are planned. They will put in presence local and international actors including several experts from the world of sport, athletes and former athletes such as Legends of American basketball.

Monday 21, a delegation of the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA), the association of retired players in the NBA (National Basketball Association American) ABA and Harlem Gobetrotters, has arrived in Haiti to attend the Forum. Among the former NBA players included on the trip include Haitian-Americans Mario Elie (3-time NBA Champion) and Olden Polynice (Seattle SuperSonics), as well as LaRue Martin (former No. 1 overall pick), Dwight Davis (former No. 2 overall pick), Harvey Catchings (Milwaukee Bucks) and Eldridge Recasner (Atlanta Hawks).

With the help of Spalding, the NBRPA will donate basketball equipment to Haitian communities in need and help rebuild basketball courts. While the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince will serve as home base for the Legends of Basketball during the tour, the NBRPA will also venture into the impoverished Central Plateau Region and visit medical facilities as part of a partnership with Medishare, a Miami-based entity dedicated to providing comprehensive health and development services and building capacity in Haiti.

"Haiti is a blank canvas, a true untapped market for athletes and sport infrastructure, marketing and sponsorship development. Using a business approach will benefit long term, establishing a sustainable model for Haiti. The participation of international partners, knowledge, assistance and resources is a wonderful opportunity to create a new vision for sport as a tool for development in our country", stated Jerry Tardieu, President of the Council of Economic and Social Development.

"Sport is one of the priorities of my government. As a former athlete [tennis], I support any policy that will allow the emergence of young athletes able to wear the colors of the country at the highest level of international sports competitions. I welcome the holding of the 1st Sport Business Forum which will provide an opportunity for all actors involved to reflect on the economic opportunities and social progress that can offer the development of sport in Haiti," declared Prime Minister, who will open the plenary session of the Forum on 24 October.

BF/ HaitiLibre