Real Madrid

The Real Madrid Foundation, Iberia and PLAN have launched a project to help Haitian children recover emotionally from the effects of the 12 January 2010 earthquake. The Foundation sent two coaches to train 20 young people from 10 refugee camps who will in turn train other volunteers. The Foundation also sent 20 emergency kits consisting of sportswear.

Real Madrid Director of Institutional Relations Emilio Butragueño, who is also a patron of PLAN, travelled to Haiti on 23 May and visited a refugee camp in Croix des Bouquets, located close to Port-au-Prince. The former footballer launched the project by playing a football game with Haitian children.

"Football serves as a universal language that helps people have fun and that's exactly what these children should be doing," said Butragueño, "You have to take into account many of them have lost family members and their daily routine was suddenly disrupted. They no longer go to their schools and many have lost their friends, so they obviously have psychological problems. We must help heal their wounds and I believe football can be of great help."

"The value of the formation and the sportswear kits provided by the Real Madrid Foundation goes beyond the boundaries of football," added Concha Lopez, Director General of PLAN in Spain, "They are essential elements to provide these children with a sense of security and normalcy in their lives through sport."