Please read the letter below, written by Sporting Kansas City assistant athletic trainer Kenny Ishii. CLICK HERE to learn more about how you can support the MLS W.O.R.K.S campaign for relief efforts in Japan.
I am writing this to ask you for some help.
As you probably know, Japan is hurting right now because of the earthquake, tsunami, and now they are facing a catastrophic nuclear accident.
I heard of this news while I was driving back from Arizona (during Sporting Kansas City's pre-season). I called my family and friends immediately, and found out all my family members and friends are safe. Most of them were in Tokyo and Shizuoka, and though the damage to the mid-Japan region was significant, it was nothing comparable to what they had in the Northern part of Japan.
The damage from the earthquake and tsunami affected the football/soccer family as well. The J-league decided to cancel all competition in March, at least four J-League stadiums and facilities had significant damage from the earthquakes, and the Japan Football Association Academy is located just five miles away from those nuclear power plants.
I really want to help the country and the football/soccer family. Away from the country, all I can do so far is to make monetary donations and pray for my country and people. So I thought maybe I can ask for help from the fans and followers of our club.
I know this is the week of the season opener, but I just wanted to take action, instead of just watching my country struggle on TV and Internet.
Sincerely,
Kentaro Ishii
If you would like to donate, CLICK HERE to be re-directed to the MLS W.O.R.K.S. homepage.
Ishii was hired by the team at the beginning of the 2008 MLS season following an internship with the club. He grew up playing soccer in his hometown of Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan before moving to the United States in 2004 and attending Texas Christian University, where he received bachelor degrees in Athletic Training and Movement Science.
Prior to joining the Sporting Kansas City technical staff, he garnerd experience working for the Ben Hogan Sports Therapy Institute, the Fort Worth Flyers (NBADL) and the Dallas Cowboys. He is a member of the Professional Soccer Athletic Trainers' Society and was awarded the 2009 Pursuit of Excellence in Health and Fitness Award by the National Academy of Sports Medecine. His parents, three older sisters and other family members reside in Japan.
