University of Oregon Athletes connect with the Dominican Republic community of Guanarate

Ah-reh-nah! Ah-reh-nah! Ah-reh-nah! The community of Guanarate shouted alongside our UO group as we laughed and worked side by side, filling hundreds of sand (Ah-reh-nah) buckets. The language barrier never got in the way of the work and definitely not the laughs. 

This year's Courts for Kids experience in the Dominican Republic was truly the opportunity of a lifetime. I'm still struggling to find the words to describe how this experience made me feel, but I know my heart has softened, my face hurts from smiling so much and our group of student-athletes and staff has forever been changed for the better. 

We began this experience knowing we would be building an athlectic court, but once we arrived and started working alongside the community, three days of work felt like just a few hours. The connections we built started on day one. Together we worked toward a common goal: creating a space where these kids can experience the joy, connection and memories that sports gave us growing up. 

After three days of work, we were done! I will forever remember how excited the kids were as they begged Trent Ferguson (Football) to spin them around and Cassidy Cu (Acrobatics and Tumbling) to join in the silly dance circles. 

The dance culture there was definitely a highlight for everyone! We learned Bachata on the first night we arrived and from that moment on, the dancing never really stopped. Some of my favorite memories were staying up late, dancing and playing dominoes with all the new friends we made. It was so amazing to get to experience that part of their culture firsthand. Another highlight was serving with my Beach Volleyball teammates Macy and Ally and our coach Danny. That time spent serving together only brought us closer and made me realize again how fortunate I am to be part of this team. We came home with full hearts and so many great memories. This trip really showed what we're building at Oregon Beach Volleyball. We're creating a team that's built on connection, service and always showing up for each other. I'm so excited to see what we will accomplish together. 

One of my favorite memories happened one night in the schoolyard outside where we were staying. I was doing some band exercises when a little girl and her brother wandered over to see what I was doing. They both wanted to try the resistance bands. Her brother jumped right in, but she hung back. You could tell she wanted to try them, but just wasn't quite sure of herself. I kept encouraging her and after a little while she finally stepped up and gave it a shot. When she was done, I smiled at her and said, "¡Fuerte!" Her face instantly lit up. She pointed to herself with the biggest smile and proudly repeated that she was strong. It was such a simple moment but one I'll never forget. To see a young girl gain confidence, see her own strength and feel empowered to step outside of her comfort zone is something I will always remember. 

I wanted to hear Regan Legg's (Softball) perspective on the trip, so I asked how the experience impacted her: "This experience allowed me to truly appreciate the small things in life. It was so refreshing to be off our phones for the entirety of the trip. Not only did we all make meaningful relationships with the locals but also with each other. I formed genuine relationships with some of the best people I have ever met in my life. The amount of joy and love that we brought each other was amazing. This experience has allowed me to grow and experience a level of happiness I didn't know I was missing." 

This project was about more than building a court for kids. The kindness and generosity of the community left a lasting impression and served as a reminder that the relationships we create are often the best part of the work we do. 

 A special thank you to everyone who helped make this experience possible. I'm so grateful for all the support, time and effort that's gone into making this happen. Experiences like these are a reminder of how special it is to be an athlete at the University of Oregon, and I feel so fortunate to be part of something that extends far beyond the court.
- Gweneth Fife, University of Oregon Athlete

Volunteer Quotes:

I’m leaving this community with so much knowledge and appreciation for things that I would otherwise have never known. I am forever grateful for that. — Liv Kozitza  

I have been lucky to have so many amazing moments in life, and now seeing others have those opportunities is very special.”
—Arron Spencer

I’ve learned more from this community about connection than anything else in my life. The Dominican Republic has truly opened my eyes to the little things I take for granted, but also to the things I want to carry into my life forever. — Jenae Sperling

You can still create relationships without words. They gave us more love and support than I thought was possible from people we had known for such a short time. — Macy Furtwangler

I have realized I can be social and have fun and don’t need anything other than the people around me. — Danny Woodley

I have gained lots of gratitude for the lifestyle I live back at home, but I have also developed a big appreciation for the simple things in life. — Cassidy Cu

I learned that I am able to relax and take time for myself. I don’t always need to be doing something deemed as productive. Sitting in a plastic chair watching the world go by is truly productive for the soul. — Valerie Johnson

I learned about selflessness, and it showed through the time and effort they put into the court. — Ally Van der Schaaf

The community has taught me how to collaborate, work together, and realize how close and strong a community can be. Everyone I have met in this community is willing to give and help. — Tilde Jagare

We were able to connect with people of all ages. That was super special and showed me the importance of human connection.
— Regan Legg

Community Quotes:

Serving as a bridge between two cultures is a profoundly meaningful experience. As a translator for Courts for Kids, I had the honor of aiding in the cultural exchange between the local community and American student volunteers. Despite their outward differences, both sides demonstrated a deep desire to connect. I learned that our shared humanity is stronger than what divides us. Getting to facilitate this connection filled me with a profound sense of purpose. I am grateful to Courts for Kids for the opportunity to participate in this encounter of cross-cultural empathy and teamwork. - Mel Leiden, Peace Corps Volunteer

Receiving the Courts for Kids project has been one of the greatest blessings for our community. Building our first sports court was about more than construction—it was about hope, teamwork, and a meaningful cultural exchange that brought lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. Today, I proudly share this experience with other communities, encouraging them to connect with Courts for Kids so they, too, can experience the same life-changing impact. — Keisy Cabrera Lebrón

Working with this incredible group of young people has been an unforgettable experience. Their kindness, dedication, teamwork, and willingness to serve have inspired us and created a meaningful cultural exchange that we will always cherish. On behalf of the people of Guananate, we sincerely thank you for choosing our community to build this much-needed sports court. Your generosity has made a dream come true for our children, who now have a safe place to play, grow, and create happy memories.
- The Food Committee

On behalf of our entire community, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing us to make the dream of our sports court a reality. More than a construction project, this experience became a meaningful cultural exchange that brought our communities together, creating lasting friendships, shared learning, and unforgettable memories. Thank you for investing not only in our future, but also in the connections that make us stronger. — Mariana

Those seven days brought so much joy to our community. Not only did the adults enjoy every moment, but our children were especially happy. The cultural exchange, the teamwork, and the excitement filled our community with life, creating memories that we will cherish forever. Thank you for making such a positive difference in Guanarate. — India Esther

Our entire community is deeply grateful for the cultural exchange and for the gift of our new sports court. I have personally enjoyed seeing this dream become a reality. Thank you for your kindness, your hard work, and for leaving a lasting impact on our community. We will always remember you. — Mariano Pérez Carvajal

Our community truly enjoyed your visit. During those days, our children were happy, active, and excited to participate in all the activities alongside the volunteers. I also had the opportunity to spend time with the team, and it was a wonderful experience. Thank you for the joy, friendship, and lasting memories you brought to our community. — Mairenis Portes

It was a true privilege to share this experience and be part of making our new sports court a reality. Thank you for your kindness, your dedication, and for giving our community such a meaningful gift. We are deeply grateful for everything you have done.
— Albairis Ramírez