J/P Haitian Relief Organization (J/P HRO) of the American actor Sean Penn, presented last week the five athletes, that will be sponsored with the fundraising campaign "The Long Run for Haiti" through the platform "Crowdrise" to participate in the ING Marathon 2013 in New York, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013.

The group of marathoners Haitians that will join the team of J/P HRO is composed of three men : Astrel Clovis, 43, Pétrus Césarion, 31, Jean Macksony, 27, and two women, Bertine Lainé, 31 and Carline Lamour, 21.

"We are excited to provide an opportunity for these talented Haitian athletes to compete with other athletes on the international stage," declared Sean Penn, founder and CEO of J/P HRO. "By joining the team of J/P HRO, these men and women will participate in one of the largest competitive world events, while emphasizing the enduring spirit of Haiti [...]"

With the support of J/P HRO and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action, the Haitian Amateur Athletics Federation (FHAA) will be responsible for the training of five Haitian athletes in their country until November, and then they will travel to New York, where will take place the 2013 ING Marathon.

"I only participated in marathons in Haiti and Santo Domingo, while the 2013 ING Marathon of New York will greatly expand my horizons as a rider," declared Astrel Clovis adding "This is a great opportunity to be recognized internationally as an athlete in the world, and I am honored to represent the Haitian community in a positive way."

For Bertine Lainé, one of two women marathoners participant "This is a chance for me to show my true talents. I hope that the men and women of my country will follow my example, so that one day they are the forefront athletes of tomorrow."

The campaign "The Long Run for Haiti" of J/P HRO will raise funds through Crowdrise platform, which was established by the actor and social activist Edward Norton. Funds raised will support the programs of J/P HRO focused on healthcare, education, construction and the safe return into permanent housing for people remained homeless since the earthquake of January 2010.

For more information on this fundraiser : www.crowdrise.com/TheLongRunForHaiti

BF/ HaitiLibre