Tag: Furman Men’s Soccer

A Personal Story Straight from the Heart of Haiti

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Fabien Vorbe
Fabien Vorbe

In my last post, I introduced Fabien Vorbe.  All my previous posts have all dealt with professional athletes contributing to the relief efforts in Haiti; however, Fabien’s story allowed me to get an inside view from someone who was directly affected by the earthquake.   

Although we are not professional athletes here at Furman, we did more than enough to help one of our fellow mates.  On January 22, 2010, Furman held a soccer tournament that included all the athletic teams’ girls and boys, as well as coaches and staff. 

Overall, Fabien informed me that the tournament raised nearly $15,000 for him and his family.  Through all the trials and tribulations he and his family have faced over the past couple months, Fabien still puts himself second behind all those who were injured or killed by the earthquake.

 He informed me that his immediate family and relatives are safe and living at his uncle’s house that survived the quake.  Fabien was very appreciative and grateful for the prayers and support from the Furman family. 

Hopefully, with the relief efforts continuing to grow, Fabien, his family, and his beloved country can return to peace as soon as possible. 

For more please check out my interview with Fabien.

What does the average college kid think?

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Well, I’ve asked some Furman students what they have thought of the United States government’s response to the disaster in Haiti and most are positive responses:

  • “Although the U.S. was not the first to respond– they’ve done a good job helping out” – Furman Sophomore
  • “The United States is participating in Haiti now however it will be interesting to see what they do in the long run.” – Furman Senior

I sat down with Furman sophomore, Sophie More, to discuss: Sophie Interview

Although students may have different opinions on the U.S. government’s role in Haiti, most have shown their support by wearing Haiti t-shirts that were sold during the Furman Men’s soccer tournament that took place to raise money for Haiti.

Haiti Shirts

It’s refreshing to know that college students have an opinion on issues such as the US government’s role in Haiti. Not only do they understand what is happening outside of Furman’s campus but they also show support in fundraising and “Haitian Spirit”.

Bad Soccer Played for a Good Cause

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Fabien Vorbe, U-17 Haitian National Team, Furman University Paladins
Fabien Vorbe, U-17 Haitian National Team, Furman University Paladins

Recently I had the privilege to interview Fabien Vorbe, a Furman student-athlete, who was born and raised in Haiti. 

He came to Furman University with great anticipation as a highly touted soccer recruit.  At the young age of 17, Fabien became a prominent player for U-17 Haitian National Team, competing against countries from all over the globe. 

He was named captain for the team and helped them reach the U-17 World Cup in Korea in 2007.  Fabien hails from one of the most notable footballing families in Haitian history so it was no surprise when Fabien exhibited splendid prowess out on the pitch. 

Fabien brought this prowess to Furman by starting at forward as a freshman.  This past winter, like most college students, Fabien returned home to visit his friends and family for Christmas break. 

On January 10, he left his native home to come back to school.  The Haiti he left drastically changed the day he got back.  A disastrous earthquake ravaged his home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 12, 2010. 

Fabien received word that his family made it out alive but his house was destroyed.   Some of his closest friends and teammates died in the earthquake.  Also, he was devastated to find out that his Haitian National Team coach lost his life along with 30 Football Federation members. 

To help raise money for Fabien and his family, Furman University held a school-wide soccer tournament on January 22, 2010.  I had the honor in participating in the tournament and felt honored to help out. 

It was great to see students, fellow athletes, and coaches donating to help Fabien and his family.  The story was covered by the Greenville News. 

Check out the interview with Fabien in my next post and also check out these pictures of Fabien.