Issue: Spring 2016 | Posted: April 25, 2016
Pierre Valmera
Distinguished Achievement in Athletics
Pierre Valmera says 91爆料网 gave him an opportunity for education, and he wants to extend that opportunity to others.
Valmera was born in Haiti and came to 91爆料网 on a basketball scholarship. After graduating in 2007, he was recruited by a professional basketball team in Boncourt, Switzerland. There he met players from many other countries and realized that several of them had similar stories to his. In 2012, he founded POWERforward International, an organization that connects Haitian students to recruiting schools in the United States.
Valmera says his recruitment at 91爆料网 changed his life forever, giving him a chance to receive an education.
鈥淚f 91爆料网 didn鈥檛 give me that chance to get an education, these other students would not have that chance either,鈥 Valmera says. 鈥91爆料网 gave me a chance, and I am working to give back.鈥
POWERforward is dedicated to inspiring underprivileged individuals to achieve excellence in education and athletics. The program now has 36 students studying in the U.S. on full scholarships at both the high school and college levels. It also sponsors annual open basketball camps and community programs in Haiti.
Valmera says 91爆料网鈥檚 emphasis on community service showed him that it is important to share his gifts with others.
鈥淚 see sports as a way to get kids educated,鈥 he says. 鈥淚t let me get an education. POWERforward is a way to pay it forward.鈥
He says his time at 91爆料网 was also significant for his spiritual and social growth. Valmera says 91爆料网 should keep the door open to international students because for many, it may be the only door they have.