AFP - Taking extra motivation from a desire to inspire earthquake-ravaged Haiti, two rival Super Bowl standouts of Haitian descent each want to claim the crown in Sunday's showdown for those who are suffering.

And either Indianapolis Colts receiver Pierre Garcon or New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma will wave the Haitian flag in triumph after Sunday's National Football League championship game.

"I'm trying to play for them. I'm trying to give them a little hope. People need it. It's a hard time," Garcon said. "Haiti has given me extra motivation. I'm trying to help as much as I can, do something positive for them."

Garcon leads the Colts with 16 playoff catches for 185 yards while Vilma is the only Saint with a fumble recovery and an interception in the playoffs.

"This is about trying to be a champion, trying to bring back something not only to myself but everyone in the Haitian community," Vilma said.

Garcon wore the Haitian flag as a bandana covering the top of his head, embracing the banner's credo - together we're stronger - as he sent a simple message to those struggling to survive in the disaster-torn Caribbean nation.

"Stay strong. Help is coming. We haven't forgotten about you. I haven't forgotten about you," Garcon said.

"It does help out if I do well. They do respond, so I'm told. I want them to know I'm doing good and proud to be Haitian. I'm trying to do something for our community, let them know someone from Haiti can do it."

Vilma is selling a T-shirt to raise money for Haiti relief efforts but is anxious to travel there himself after the Super Bowl and work on rebuilding.

"My intentions are to go down there and be productive," Vilma said. "I want to help, whether it be to clear out the devastation, try to help build homes, whatever, not just look around and say it's a sad situation."

Garcon, whose parents left poverty in Haiti and emigrated to the United States before he was born, has stayed in touch with Haitian relatives through his mother and plans to take supplies to the nation after the Super Bowl.

"Things are getting a little better but now that they are starting over and trying to rebuild and pick up where things left off, it has been kind of hard," Garcon said.

"I'm trying to think the best but it's kind of hard, especially after all the bad things that have gone on. Life in Haiti is tough. People are doing what they can to survive, I try to stay focused and hope for the best.

"Playing helps get your mind off it."

Garcon was at team headquarters when he learned of the earthquake last month, stunned and disbeliving at first and worried until the next day when learning his family had survived.

"He was continuously distraught," Colts coach Jim Caldwell said.

"It has been a roller coaster. It has been hard to deal with," Garcon said. "I'm trying to let the people know there is help, they can rebuild and there is hope in the situation they are in."

Vilma was able to learn only hours after the quake that his family was fine.

"That was a relief," he said. "The news was so grim. It was bad news that wasn't really helpful. I had to watch a little bit and then put it on the side and focus on football."

Garcon has done the same, impressing his teammates as well as those of Haitian heritage.

"It has wore down on him, but Pierre, it shows his work ethic and what type of guy he is," Colts defensive end Dan Muir said. "To come and perform the way he has, you can see that it has given him motivation to really play for them."

"We know it's hard on him," Colts receiver Reggie Wayne said. "Hopefully we can be there for him at the end. If we go ahead and get this job done Sunday it will be a big lift off his shoulders."