A Strategic Partnership for the Security of Sports Competitions in Haiti

The Haitian Taekwondo Federation and the National Ambulance Center join forces to protect athletes PORT-AU-PRINCE.— In Haiti, high-level sports are embracing a new dynamic of protection and prevention. The Haitian Taekwondo Federation (FHTKD) and the National Ambulance Center (CAN) formalized, this week, an innovative partnership aimed at securing sports competitions and providing better medical support for athletes. The meeting between the president of the FHTKD, Dr. Ostin Frenel, and the general director of the CAN, Me Renand Aristide, laid the groundwork for active collaboration around a shared objective: making sports a safer space. Also present were Mr. Leconte Dor, Deputy Secretary General of the Federation, and Me Ralph Kervensky Azor, Vice-President of the Southern Taekwondo Association. The two institutions are committed, in particular, to ensuring systematic medical coverage for major national competitions through the mobilization of CAN units. In parallel, certified first aid training will be rolled out for coaches, referees, and athletes. Prevention, Autonomy, and Shared Responsibility According to Dr. Ostin Frenel, this initiative strengthens the very structure of the discipline: “Protecting our practitioners means recognizing the value of their commitment and guaranteeing their physical integrity during effort,” he said. For Me Renand Aristide, this partnership reflects CAN's civic mission. He stated: “Sport is a lever for development, and our role is to support those who make it a path to elevation. Being alongside young athletes also means contributing to building a safer future.” Starting next quarter, several first aid training sessions will be organized in different regions of the country. The objective is to strengthen local capacities and encourage a culture of prevention at all levels. Towards a More Human Vision of Sport This partnership symbolizes much more than a technical agreement. It is part of a broader desire to make sport a vector of citizenship, solidarity, and dignity. For the FHTKD, this is a key step towards comprehensive and responsible supervision, where performance is no longer measured solely in medals, but also in safety, well-being, and respect for the individual. Jean Mapou