University of Oklahoma Athletes Spend Time Serving in Haiti

AUSTIN, Texas, May 18, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A group of 31 student athletes from the University of Oklahoma just returned from a weeklong trip spent using their talent and energy off the field and court by serving the people of Haiti.

The players teamed up from May 9-16 to serve through Mission of Hope, Haiti (MOH), based in Titanyen, about 18 miles north of Port au Prince. Team members spent the week running sports clinics and playing basketball games with Haitian children, and helped run a Kids Club in the nearby village of Leveque. They also painted, mixed concrete, and lifted tiles for a new Pastoral Training Center at MOH.

Players on the trip included quarterback Trevor Knight, running back Samaje Perine, the NCAA record holder for most yards in one game, and basketball player Ryan Spangler, the Big XII leading rebounder.

Players say the purpose of the trip was not only to serve the Haitian people to whom MOH ministers, but to build relationships within the team that will change their locker rooms back home.  Many of the players felt the trip had a profound impact on them personally.

"Haiti has easily been the best experience in my life so far," said women's basketball player Peyton Little. "I've fallen in love with the country and the people."

Men's basketball player Ryan Spangler hopes others will have the opportunity to experience how fulfilling serving in Haiti was for the team.

"Haiti is the best week of the year.  It is the greatest feeling being able to help others. It is something that people need to experience first hand," said Spangler.

MOH serves Haiti daily by meeting the physical and spiritual needs of the Haitian population through educational development, orphan care, health care, nutrition, and church advancement.  

The trip was organized through Journey Church in Norman, OK.  This was the sixth trip OU players have taken to MOH to serve the people of Haiti.

For media inquiries or interviews, contact Bridget Henderson 512-963-2733/bridget@mohhaiti.org.

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