Final Days

Our trip has finally come to an end, but the friendships made in St. Lucia have hopefully just begun.

We embarked on this journey to primarily assist Gig with his soccer academy and the seventy kids who come out to play every weekend with him. He is a man of great character and cares deeply about all the kids. With little real structured help, except for his brother-in-law Joseph, and Jen, who try to help out when they can, Gig persists in giving them every opportunity to come to the field on weekends and play while instilling the basic principles of discipline, integrity and respect.

This was the first time ever a soccer camp took place in Soufriere and it was a great success. At the end of the week, each participant was given a certificate of achievement and a medal for all their efforts and for most all of them, it was the first time they received a medal. It was a joy to see the expressions on their faces when their name was called.

We also acknowledged the seven community coaches who assisted us this week. They are teenagers living in the town of Soufriere that love the game of football (soccer) but are very shy by nature and simply need the confidence and belief that they can coach these younger kids, so we hope in some small way we have helped them on the path to achieving that. That in itself will have made this week worthwhile, knowing that Gig has a set of youth coaches to assist him every weekend, imparting the knowledge of the game they love and mentoring the younger kids.

It has truly been a memorable week. From our daily trek through the neighborhood of Palmiste to get to the fields and basketball court, painting the soup kitchen, cleaning up the beach, the CHAMPS presentation at the local school, and painting the mural outside the soccer field, to snorkeling, cliff jumping, mud baths, and local cuisine, all made it a trip that won't easily be forgotten. Most importantly, the people we met; Gig, Joseph, Jen, Claudia, the youth coaches and I CAN Members welcomed us with open arms and made us feel so at home away from home.

Last night for our last evening together, we all went to a local place for bar-b-cue and karaoke. As we waited for our food, the DJ was playing his music and the group were simply hanging out. Most of these places are not fully enclosed and are in part open air, so you can hear the sounds of the island no matter where you are. As I sat on the sidewalk outside, I could hear the laughter of our athletes and their island friends behind me while across the street evening mass was taking place. I strolled over and listened to the priest as he spoke of generosity and taking care of our fellow human beings. I smiled and thought of John, Pat, Izzy, Kendra, Jess, Sam, Sarah, Michael, Tom and Ali, and how generous they were in giving their time to the children of Soufriere; not only did I see them give their adored Manchester United jacket, or taking the cleats off their feet to give to a kid who came to camp barefooted, but I watched firsthand as they gave guidance, encouragement, and their spirit to the children. They represented themselves, their families, and our university with pride and class and I thank them for that.

I want to personally thank all those who helped along the way over the past several months, and especially to those student-athletes who, unselfishly, continued wholeheartedly in our fundraising efforts knowing they would not be making the trip: Lisa Belcastro, Marissa Balmert, Anna Bixler and Alex Heller. Thanks to Dr. Foley and Claudia, who assisted at a very important juncture. Ashley and Dee for putting up with me around the office while I was planning the trip. Pearl, Betsy, Laurie, Erin and Katina, who rolled up their sleeves when needed. Mary Ann King who always helped at a moment's notice and to those of you who donated equipment. Rich (printing services) who got the soccer manuals printed at the eleventh hour for me and Jon Holtz for posting our blogs. To Jen (in St. Lucia) for all you help and guiding us around. My sincere gratitude to Julie Manfred, thanks for all your efforts on behalf of Forgotten Angels, for your friendship and simply just being there, you will be missed for sure. And to Elisa, thanks for your constant support. I'm sure there are others I have forgot to mention so thanks to all of you. It was a great journey, and know that, collectively, you have touched the life of a child.

Cheerio for now!

Noreen


Click Here for view the other five blog entries from the St. Lucia trip.