It may have started with the mission of building a sports court in a remote village in Costa Rica. It ended with building a community of student-athletes and their Costa Rican hosts, bridging cultures to foster an appreciation for the values in life that mean the most.
More than 25 student-athletes, along with a few coaches and staff members, partnered with the nonprofit Courts for Kids this past summer — a learning experience launched by a generous anonymous donation to establish the Purple Passport program and nurtured by other caring donors who believe in giving with a purpose in mind.
“If you only operate in your comfort zone, you don’t learn anything. It’s only when you step outside yourself and challenge yourself do you have the opportunity for growth,” explains Bob Thompson, who with his wife, Deb, established an endowment that helped fund the Costa Rican trip and will continue to fund similar opportunities. “Traveling to other countries, serving others, can be a life-changing experience.”
The group stayed in the homes of local families during the 10-day trip, cut off from cell phone service, bathing in icy-cold water, communicating without knowing the language, and laboring to plan and build a sport court that will become the central gathering place for the village of Matambu.
“Many of the people in the community don’t have much, at least compared to American standards, but the people in this community are genuinely happy and content. They’ve given me a new perspective of what it means to be grateful and caring.”
Michaela Nelson, Gymnastics
“I know this trip has changed me in many ways, but what I’m going to hold onto most is to not take anything for granted, to not get lost in the social media world, and to enjoy the present and what life has to give you at that time and place.”
Stacey Fung, Women’s Tennis
“I learned that no matter where you are in the world people love to come together to enjoy the most wonderful things in life — sport, food, talking, laughing and other people’s company.”
Anouschka Fenley, Women’s Rowing
“In America, we have so much stuff — nice houses, new cars, toys of all sorts for young and old — but we are always driven by the need for more. I’ve really gained an appreciation for how these Costa Ricans live and how they live their life by the motto of ‘Pura Vida.’”
Bryce Logan, Men’s Soccer
“I honestly feel like this journey has helped me grow and be less afraid to do things that make me uncomfortable. This trip has opened my mind and humbled my heart.”
Pascale Dumesnil, Women’s Soccer
“What I learned from the community is to live in the now. Being present and embracing each moment made this trip really special. From shoveling gravel to cooking tamales, it was a great experience. Living the Pura Vida lifestyle is very cleansing and relaxing. Then, when I took a step back and taking everything in, made me realize what I take for granted back home.”
Brooke Mooney, Women’s Rowing
“I more clearly understand the strengths and triumphs of other people around the world. Despite the toil, they are content and love their lives and heritage, always willing to share and offer kindness.”
Carey Campbell, Track & Field
