“This Haitian emergency is the most serious humanitarian crisis faced by the United Nations in decades.”
These words were spoken by the U.N. Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon.

Devastation in Haiti

The 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti January 12, but the impact of the devastation grows greater each day. Over 50 aftershocks, some registering over 5.0, continue to rock the country. The death toll may be as high as in the hundreds of thousands, and 3 million people, more than half of them children, need help.

This small Caribbean nation (population 9.6 million) is the poorest in the Western Hemisphere. While international relief organizations such as Oxfam, World Vision, and the U. N. were already there, much of their supplies and warehouses were destroyed, and many staff members killed. Key Haitian government officials and civil servants also died, making coordination of emergency services and international aid even more difficult.

Five days later lack of adequate medical help, food, and clean water is beyond critical. Getting supplies there and delivered is more difficult because of the widespread devastation and security problems.

American athletes and sports organizations were among the first to spring into action.

Bags and airplane ready to go

Major League Baseball pledged $ 1 million immediately while many of the 30 teams are working on fund-raising efforts. As baseball commissioner Bud Selig said, “Baseball is a social institution. We have special responsibilities.” The San Francisco Giants felt great empathy, remembering the Bay Area earthquake during the 1989 World Series. They are pledging support and assistance to rebuild. The Giants are also offering exciting experiences with their players on MLB.com Auction—open through January 22. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are participating in a fundraising drive called Hope for Haiti. Checks can be made payable to the American Red Cross/Haiti Relief. New York’s Yankees are donating $ 500,000 in support of rescue and relief efforts.

David Ortiz of the Red Sox

David Ortiz, the Dominican slugger of the Boston Red Sox, feels real kinship with the Haitian people and has organized a collection of canned goods, water, and other necessities that he is delivering himself.

Miguel Tejada, currently a free agent player, is also from Haiti’s neighboring country, the Dominican Republic, and is organizing relief efforts. Check out your favorite team, read about their efforts, and participate.

The National Basketball Association and NBA Players Association also promised $ 1 million in immediate funds for Haiti. As in baseball, many pro basketball teams and players are making individual efforts as well. Retired Miami Heat star, Alonzo Mourning, and his former teammate, Dwyane Wade, one of the league’s top players, are working together on a venture called Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti. “As professional athletes we experienced the positive effects of teamwork everyday,” Wade said in Houston where the Heat were playing the Rockets on Friday night. Dwyane continued, “While individual donations are valuable, there is also a special strength found within the force of a unified effort.”

The Heat is offering ticket vouchers in exchange for donations.

Mourning handing water bottles

Mourning went to Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital, Friday with Project Medishare, a Miami-based non-profit agency that has worked since 1995 to provide health care for Haiti. The Haitian community has deep roots in Miami. It’s natural that the Heat would be among the first to step forward.

Samuel Dalambert

Haiti native Samuel Dalembert of the Philadelphia 76ers is making public service announcements for UNICEF encouraging fans to give. He has made a $ 100,000 pledge and will match all donations from fans. Read about other NBA efforts being made.

The National Football League and the NFLPA (Players Association) have pledged $ 2.5 million together with many individual efforts being made at the same time. The network broadcast partners ran messages during the weekend playoff games encouraging assistance. The announcements directed viewers to the Red Cross website.

New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma and San Diego Chargers defensive end Jacques Cesaire will be helping in the Red Cross drive. They both have Haitian parents.

The Washington Redskins are flying medical supplies, personnel, and clothing into Haiti with the aid of business partner Diageo. Detroit’s Lions are donating $ 10,000 to the American Red Cross in the name of three players of Haitian descent—-Gosder Cherilus, Cliff Avril, and Louis Delmas. Many other NFL inspirational stories can be found.

A pledge of $ 100,000 was made by the National Hockey League, and they will seek other ways to be of assistance.

The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) asked members to donate to Haiti Relief by using organizations listed on their charities site such as American Red Cross, Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders, and UNICEF.

Greg McLaughlin, president of the Tiger Woods Foundation, reported his staff is evaluating how to help in the relief and recovery effort in Haiti.

NASCAR owner Rick Hendrick is sending an airplane and two flight crews to Missionary Flights International which will send support teams in and out of Port-au-Prince.

World Team Tennis is donating clothing for children through the organization Kids in Distressed Situations. On Sunday, the eve of the Australian Open, Roger Federer and other tennis stars held a special exhibition event to benefit victims.

Sometimes modern day athletes are thought to be apathetic toward social causes. Isn’t this heroic movement made by the sports world and hundreds of caring athletes more proof that it cannot be a blanket criticism?

Real Sports Heroes takes great pleasure in seeing the heart and soul of what makes a sports hero “real.”

To make a contribution, visit Red Cross, UNICEF, World Vision, Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti, or text “Haiti” to 9099.