The most important thing is not to win but to take part - that's the guideluine of Jean-Pierre Roy from Haiti. The 47 year old will for the first time represent his home country at the Alpine Ski World Championships.
For Jean-Pierre Roy the Ski World Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is not about honor, glory or medals. He wants to emphasize the situation in his country after last year's earthquake. "I always think about Haiti and have a love for skiing so why should not participate at the World Championships", explained Roy who was born in Haitis capital Port au Prince, he lives and works in Paris. But it was not so easy. Haiti does not have an official ski association. Roy initiated the Federation Haitienne de Ski single handedly. The entire association consists of three people. "I am the president and also the only racer" Roy explained the association structure.
Positive promotion for Haiti
Roy's main objective is to ensure that Haiti stays in the media to collect money for the victims of the earthquake catastrophe. He will participate in the Slalom and Giant Slalom. Roy sees his sporting goals as being realistic: "I want to set a good time and maybe qualify for the main race". Just to be here and represent my home land makes the athlete proud. "I will feel really proud and warm inside when I see the Hatian flag hanging here „it's an honor to be aloud to participate alongside ski nations like Italy and Austria.
First grandfather at the Ski World Championships
It is certainly not always easy, to keep the smallest ski association of the world on track. It is especially difficult to obtain sponsors. The IT specialist invested between 10.000 and 15.000 Euro himself. In order to save money he traveled 1.000 kilometers by car from Paris. Never the less Roy received his material free of charge from Rossignol. "I asked if they had inexpensive skis for me and then I received them as a present". Even though he will not provide any sporting surprises the 47 year old has already obtained a record. "I am the first Grandfather who has ever started at the Ski world Championships", said the proud grandfather of a two year old grandson.