A family develops with all its members together and with the same vision that allows them to advance, even in spite of their differences, but aware that they can achieve their goals. This is how Diane Delorier, Secretary General of the Haitian Federation of Badminton, defines the sport and all that it can provide to society.
“Sport breaks down racial barriers, language and brings together all countries. When we meet we forget the difference. We are a sport family.”
Specialist in Business Management, Diane became involved in the sport after the terrible earthquake that Haiti lived in 2010. The idea of rejuvenate and re-engage Haitians in sport led many to collaborate in promoting peace and social cohesion through the sport, through badminton.
“I was working on the Haitian Olympic Committee after the earthquake, on a psychosocial program to help young people from temporary shelters, and a friend had been trained in badminton and thought that a sport like badminton should have a badminton federation to develop throughout the country and he chose me to help the creation of Fehbad in 2012, since then I like it and I do not get tired of badminton.”
With 29 years old, Diane really liked badminton and all the things she could do to improve it in her country. Therefore, she decided to become more and more involved in our sport.
“From the beginning I was treasurer but I played several roles, I managed the administration, the secretariat, etc. In the next elections I told myself why not change my position for my candidacy, I could be the Secretary General and I will have more responsibilities In In fulfilling this role, I feel more involved. “
She undertook a new challenge and now dreams of being able to take Haiti to the top of the Pan-American sport.
“Promote badminton everywhere in Haiti. Develop projects to find young talents throughout the territory, international projects to help us prepare our athletes, participate in international championships so that Haiti has a better place in the Caribbean and then in America.”
Each new challenge brings with it difficulties to face. Delorier was not immune to it, but learned to overcome difficulties and move forward.
“I ran into problems from the beginning and until today, people think they can underestimate us because we are girls or because we are very young but the problems do not push me back from my goals, on the contrary, that strengthens me because in every problem I have I always find at least 3 solutions.”
Diane assumes a very important role in the development of badminton in her country. She has achieved many goals and each day a new one can be drawn to continue advancing, for that reason she wants to leave this message to all the women who fight to improve the sport in their countries:
“Put yourself in mind that only limiting yourself you allow people to think for a second that they can limit you. Women do not disappoint when they occupy a place and people will remember it for a long time. From experience, when you are somewhere, you must create your own place.”
