Port-au-Prince, Haiti (July 29, 2019) – The Comité National Special Olympics d’Haiti (CNSOH) is pleased to welcome Ambassador Claude-Alix Bertrand to its family of supporters and benefactors. The organization continues to align itself and engage with dynamic, forward-thinking and successful leaders to move the program forward and strengthen its position and platform in Haiti.
Brand Ambassadors are selected among a strong network of influencers mandated to continue to help raise the visibility and awareness of persons living with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Haiti. The Brand Ambassador program provides opportunities to engage with local athletes through continued education, leadership development, mentorship, and life skills activities, sports clinics and workshops, capping with the flagship annual event, the Special Olympics Haiti National Games.
Ambassador Bertrand began his official duties on June 21 when he declared open the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games in Davis, California; he led the Contra Costa Country delegation through the Honor Guard of local law enforcement. An evening of festivities, recognition and, most importantly, the Parade of Athletes through the Honor Guard highlighted the Opening Ceremonies. A meet-and-greet was also organized by the Northern California Chapter with athletes of Haitian descent after the Games.
“I am truly honored to be selected as Special Olympics Ambassador, as I sincerely believe that sport opens many doors – particularly for young people,” said Ambassador Bertrand. “I believe in the power of sport to shape our youth, to bring together communities and to bridge gaps between cultures and generations. I look forward to working diligently with CNSOH to support their efforts and goals.”
Bertrand is a Haitian native but also a long-time San Francisco resident, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the organization, and has served as Ambassador UNESCO since 2014. Ambassador Bertrand is also the captain of the Haiti Polo Team, the president of the Federation Haïtienne de Polo and publisher of Polo Lifestyles magazines.
“We are honored to have Ambassador Bertrand join our family. His involvement will speak volumes in general support of the organization, but in particular, the equestrian program,” states Nathalie Philippe, Executive Director of Special Olympics Haiti. “We are beginning a new chapter in our organization’s lifecycle.
Ambassador Bertrand’s sporting experience and business influence will be invaluable to the continued growth of our organization, as we strive to continue to education and change mindsets towards persons living with ID.”
Ambassador Bertrand is joined by Jozy Altidore, current Toronto FC player, Sebastian Joseph-Day, defensive tackle for the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, Anthony Duclair, forward for the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, and Kako Bourjolly, local comedian and entertainer.
ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS HAITI
Special Olympics International is the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults living with intellectual disabilities (ID) serving more than 5.1 million athletes in 174 countries.
Founded in 2003 and accredited by Special Olympics International, Special Olympics Haiti aims to break down barriers on the ground and off the field serving an incredible population of champions – in particular persons or athletes who live with ID – affording them opportunities to share their gifts and talents with the world openly through sport. Partnering with specialized schools and centers that serve persons with ID supported by a dedicated team of coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics Haiti provides quality sport training year-round in football, track and field, basketball, bocce, volleyball, table tennis, equestrian and unified sports (played with non-ID athletes). Programs including tournaments and competitions are conducted in safe spaces; workshops and training for sport professionals, partners and caregivers within the network are also offered.
Special Olympics Haiti is part of the Sport Consulate Group (SCG) network in Haiti.
For more information about the Brand Ambassador Program, please contact Danielle Berman, DB Consulting at danielle@tacklewhatsnext.com.
ABOUT AMBASSADOR CLAUDE-ALIX BERTRAND
Ambassador Claude-Alix Bertrand is founder and captain of Haiti Polo Team, president of the Féderation Haitienne de Polo (Haitian Polo Federation), publisher of the luxury-polo monthly magazines “Polo Lifestyles,” an entrepreneur and former U.S. Polo Assn. polo player. He was named Ambassador UNESCO in 2014 in Port-au-Prince by the administration of President Michel Joseph Martelly. In 2019, he was nominated and selected as Special Olympics Ambassador by the Comité National Spécial Olympics d’Haiti.
###
