In a world where sports serve as a universal language, transcending borders and fostering connections, a group of South Bay students embarked on a life-changing journey this summer in Bogota, Colombia. Leveraging their love for lacrosse, they partnered with the nonprofit organization La Crosse the Nations to immerse themselves in a cultural exchange that taught them profound lessons about resilience and humanity.
La Crosse the Nations, dedicated to using lacrosse as a tool to uplift communities and bridge cultural gaps, played a pivotal role in orchestrating this remarkable adventure. For these young adventurers, including Ross Borden, a senior from PV High, the trip was a revelation of global struggles and differences. Borden explained, “This trip opened my eyes to the struggles and differences people around the world face. I took this trip with LaCrosse the Nations because I really like the sport and I loved the idea of connecting with people from across the world.”
Guided by Keith Jones, Owner and Master Instructor of Marina Martial Arts Studio, along with his two sons, Austin, a senior at PV High, and Kenny, an eighth grader at PVIS, Max Moroz and Ross Borden embarked on a mission to introduce lacrosse to the local youth of Tenjo, a vibrant community. Over the course of seven days, they immersed themselves in teaching lacrosse to Bogota students, igniting curiosity and building connections that transcended language barriers. The values of teamwork, respect, and determination inherent in lacrosse resonated with the young learners, fostering camaraderie and enthusiasm for growth.
Nights were spent in the village’s sole hotel, offering an opportunity to absorb the rhythms of Tenjo life and reflect on the day’s events. The genuine interactions with locals left an enduring mark, proving that shared passions and the desire to uplift can transcend geographical distances.
“The kids at the schools we visited there were so appreciative and energetic,” Borden recalled. “The highlight of my trip was playing lacrosse with these kids, and when a kid new to the sport scored a goal, his face brightened up so much, which brought happiness to me as well. I also very much enjoyed becoming friends and creating new friendships because they were all so fun and excited we were there.”
Beyond creating lasting memories, the students returned home with a renewed sense of purpose. Their experience affirmed the belief that unity and understanding can blossom through connections with others, demonstrated through the language of lacrosse. Their summer in Bogota served as a voyage of self-discovery, reminding them that compassion transcends borders and that true friendship thrives in unexpected places.
In a world often divided by barriers, the story of these young lacrosse enthusiasts stands as a testament to the unifying power of sports and the potential for personal growth through cultural exchange. Through La Crosse the Nations, they embraced the opportunity to make a positive impact and create lasting bonds, one lacrosse pass at a time.
