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SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (March 31, 2011) – Just over two weeks ago, a mammoth 8.9-magnitude earthquake set off a chain of events that will be remembered in Japan for generations to come. The resulting tsunami crushed the northeast coast of the country, rolling through cities, igniting fires and devastating millions. Thousands have been lost, and even more have been displaced.
After hearing about the destruction in her homeland, Mount Holyoke College soccer head coach Kanae Haneishi immediately decided to help. Each spring, her program hosts a group of travelling Japanese soccer players for the better part of a week. In years past, players from both teams have joined to play a friendly exhibition match.
This year was different, though. Haneishi quickly realized that she could use the event as a vehicle to aid the victims of earthquake and subsequent tsunami. With that in mind, she decided to convert the game into a charity fundraiser.
"When I saw the disaster on TV, I wanted to do something for people in Japan," said Haneishi. "I was hearing reports that people were out of power and had limited foods. Many people died, and many were still missing. Over my four years at Mount Holyoke, my program has formed a close connection with Japan. In addition to our annual games with the Bridge program, we also visited the country last year. I thought that it was important for Mount Holyoke soccer to stand up for our Japanese friends and others in Japan."
On Saturday, the two teams took the field with heavy hearts. During the competition, "We Pray For Japan" bracelets were sold for $5 apiece, with all contributions going to the Japanese Red Cross. In addition, donations were accepted, with all proceeds going to the people of Japan.
The event was a smashing success. Approximately 200 spectators made their way to the Mount Holyoke Turf Field to watch the game and aid in the relief efforts. To date, close to $3,000 has been raised through the sale of bracelets and other donations.
Haneishi was thrilled with the response and looks forward to contributing to the cause even more down the road.
"On behalf of the Mount Holyoke soccer program, I would like to thank everyone who came to the match or sent donations," she said. "The support for people in Japan was overwhelming. Donations continue to arrive, even after the event. We sincerely appreciate all of your help. The match meant a lot to me, and it felt good to help out my country in a small way."
"Players from both sides enjoyed playing soccer together. The Japanese players are now facing the reality of the disaster, as they return to their homes," she said. We hope that their experiences of playing soccer in the United States will help them to stay strong and together in order to overcome this disaster."
In addition to participating in the charity match on Saturday, the Japanese players were also able to take part in an intercultural party with members of the Mount Holyoke squad. By playing together and exchanging cultures, Haneishi hopes that players from both teams gained new perspectives on both soccer and life itself.
Earlier in the week, the Japanese players toured campus and met with the longtime Director of Athletics Laurie Priest to talk about women in sport. They also visited Mount Holyoke's Japanese language classes.
"The 35 members of the Japanese team's travel party arrived safely in Japan on Monday," said Haneishi. There are several Bridge players who visited Mount Holyoke in previous years who hail from the Sendai region, which was destroyed by the tsunami. We especially want to send prayers for those players."
For Haneishi, the devastation will continue to weigh heavily on her mind. Though she has settled down in the United States, all of her family and the majority of her friends still make their homes in Japan.
"It took a few days to confirm that members of my family were all safe," she said. My sister has been evacuated, since she lives close to the Fukushima nuclear plant. They are just happy to be alive, while many, many others were not as fortunate. I wish I could go there and help my family, especially my mother, who has Parkinson's disease and lives by herself. It is frustrating that there is only so much that I can do to physically help."
Haneishi is confident that her homeland will rebound from the tragedy with the help of others around the world. She urges those who couldn't make it to the game but would still like to donate to the charity drive to send a check, made out to Mount Holyoke Soccer, to head coach Kanae Haneishi, c/o of the Department of Athletics. Please indicate on the check that the money is for earthquake relief.
