Recently retired NFL running back, Marshawn Lynch, is using his extra free time to invest in the global community. The former Seattle Seahawk teamed up with former NFL colleagues to help build an elementary school in a destitute community in Haiti. The act of kindness is the latest in a string of community service projects for Lynch.
NFL player and Haitian Native, Cliff Avril, coordinated the build effort with international non-profit organization Free The Children to increase access to education for Haitian orphans. Avril spoke of Haiti’s reputation saying, “Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere…for an island to have so many resources — it’s on the same island as the Dominican Republic, and people go there in a heartbeat — but right across the border, nobody wants to go there. It’s unfortunate it has a bad rep, but it’s an awesome country.”
The team of NFL do-gooders also included Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch and Buccaneers tackle Gosder Cherilus. The group also, held a mobile medical clinic and hosted a football camp for the youth. Avril expressed his gratitude for his fellow players participation in the project saying, “It’s awesome to have their support, it’s awesome to be in a situation where guys are willing to take that step with you.” He continued saying, “Marshawn wants to help actually build the school out there. There’s a lot of good guys in the NFL...It’s cool to have these guys’ support.”
Nearly 350 young men attended the football camp in Port au Prince at the Olympic Training facility. Visuals posted on the NFL’s official twitter depict the NFL players digging dirt, hoisting walls, and participating in cheerful celebrations with the students.
In his retirement, Lynch, has committed himself to giving back to the community by contributing money and sweat equity to several projects. Domestically, the NFL legend partners with Bill Clinton to lead a community investment project in his hometown of Oakland, CA.
Source: complex.com
