It's great that we were able to use sports as a mechanism to experience the culture of Puerto Rico. Donny Ramos volleyball coach
When Chicago City Day School's girls volleyball team traveled to Puerto Rico last month, sports were just one part of the experience.
City Day's athletes also explored the city of San Juan and nearby areas during the trip, which gave them renewed awareness of, and appreciation for, the region's culture, history, and natural environment.
"It's great that we were able to use sports as a mechanism to experience the culture of Puerto Rico," said Donny Ramos, one of City Day's volleyball coaches. "I think it was a special trip for everyone on the team, and for us as coaches, too."
The volleyball players, all of them in grades 7 and 8, prepared for their upcoming season by competing against school and club teams from Puerto Rico and enjoying beach volleyball sessions among themselves. The team also watched professional and college volleyball matches.
When not playing or practicing, the team took a walking tour of Old San Juan, during which they explored the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a significant cultural and historical site in Puerto Rico. On another day, the team visited the El Yunque National Forest, where they were able to see the unique wildlife and lush vegetation of a rainforest environment.
Volleyball coach Page Dow said the students embraced new experiences throughout the trip, both on and off the volleyball court.
"My favorite part about the trip was watching the girls support each other," Mrs. Dow said. "Over the course of the week, there were multiple times when we asked the girls to go outside their comfort zone. Watching them support each other through those moments was so gratifying. The trip was such an incredible way to have the team bond before our season."
The trip to Puerto Rico is just one of many travel opportunities that City Day offers its students. See more photos from the Puerto Rico trip below.
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