From Amelia - in school
From Amelia - all the girls learned to write in Japanese
From Amelia - in school
FFrom Amelia -we're here!
Amselia took this picture as we came into Tokyo - notice the juxtaposition of windmills and rice paddies.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Pictures from Amelia - arriving, @ school and @ the mayor of Arao
From Amelia - in schoolFrom Amelia - all the girls learned to write in JapaneseFrom Amelia - in schoolFFrom Amelia -we're here!Amselia took this picture as we came into Tokyo - notice the juxtaposition of windmills and rice paddies.
Photos from Michael Ciaglo
Here's some of Michael's best photos from the first three days of our trip.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Ringing the bell at the Buddhist Temple
Greg took and edited this video of the bell ringing ceremony
Day 3 - Bowlarama!!
This morning we went to Pasco World, a cross between a bowling alley and Dave & Busters, but louder and more exuberant. We spent the first 1/2 hour plugging coins into the video games, with the kids having a blast and the adults trying to get used to the noise but having fun nonetheless. We then moved over to the bowling side of place, which was very much like any other bowling alley except for the bowling shoe dispensing machine, which resembled a gigantic vending machine but with shoe sizes...you push a button and out came your shoes. Though there was confusion at first, the girls figured out to look inside their shoes and find the Japanese shoe size (one benefit of globalization!). Fortunately, sizes went up to 28 cm, so even the adults were able to fit comfortably in the stylish shoes.
We were preassigned to teams (excellent idea!), with adults and kids, Japanese and Americans mixed up. It was a blast! Oscar had the high score of the day, with Danelle second. We played two games and then returned to the arcade for more coin plugging and fun. Haley won a fish - live fish in a small bowl - and being the smart young woman that she is, promptly sold it to big brother Dylan, who presented it to the grandmother in his host family!!! Hooray for Dylan!!! Several of our girls won prizes using the free coupons we were all given (Kayla dragged me over to a machine that was set to win, and I did - a piece of something like salt water taffy). Claire, Chase and Katie pooled their coins (also free) and were making a killing at the coin-shuffle game- you put a coin in and it lands on a platform loaded with coins, pushing them over a cliff into the payoff slot. Evidently, this was a very addicting game as we had a hard time getting them to leave for lunch (just one more, just one more...sound familiar?)
Lunch was in the gym at a nearby elementary school (school is now out for the summer) which happens to be where Sanvino holds practice. We had Japanese pizza - very yummy, especially the tariyaki pizza - and a roll that Shanlie accurately said was like a soft, fluffy sugar cookie. This roll is a local delicacy and I can understand why. It was really tasty, though not to everyone's taste. Before and after lunch, everyone shot baskets in the hot gym (think a hot Colorado day with 90% humidity). While most everyone is uncomfortable in this heat (I may be the exception), we're all bearing this "burden" with smiles and lots of water. One thing I've noticed is that the local residents all carry small towels with them that they use to mop the sweat from their faces.
"
After lunch, we split up again, with some of us returning to the hotel and most of the kids going back to their host families for a break. We'll get together again at 6:30 for a Japanese BBQ. Sand soccer tomorrow!
Some random thoughts:
Sanvino and Trebol are perfect matches - besides being similar type clubs, both teams are blessed with fantastic parents who knock themselves out as hosts. WOW!
Rice paddies are everywhere. I was told that many of them are on "open space," public land that is set aside for agriculture and protected from development, similar to some of the open space areas in Boulder county. Very cool!
Riding in a vehicle driving on the left side of the road is nerve wracking. Even though part of your brain gets it, the primitive part is still shocked.
Though American cultural influences are everywhere (7-11s, McDonalds, plenty of English signs), there's still plenty of Japan here in Japan - can you imagine roadside octopus stands in the U.S.?
The octopus stand
An order of baked octopus balls
Katie tries an octopus ball...she loved it
We were preassigned to teams (excellent idea!), with adults and kids, Japanese and Americans mixed up. It was a blast! Oscar had the high score of the day, with Danelle second. We played two games and then returned to the arcade for more coin plugging and fun. Haley won a fish - live fish in a small bowl - and being the smart young woman that she is, promptly sold it to big brother Dylan, who presented it to the grandmother in his host family!!! Hooray for Dylan!!! Several of our girls won prizes using the free coupons we were all given (Kayla dragged me over to a machine that was set to win, and I did - a piece of something like salt water taffy). Claire, Chase and Katie pooled their coins (also free) and were making a killing at the coin-shuffle game- you put a coin in and it lands on a platform loaded with coins, pushing them over a cliff into the payoff slot. Evidently, this was a very addicting game as we had a hard time getting them to leave for lunch (just one more, just one more...sound familiar?)
Lunch was in the gym at a nearby elementary school (school is now out for the summer) which happens to be where Sanvino holds practice. We had Japanese pizza - very yummy, especially the tariyaki pizza - and a roll that Shanlie accurately said was like a soft, fluffy sugar cookie. This roll is a local delicacy and I can understand why. It was really tasty, though not to everyone's taste. Before and after lunch, everyone shot baskets in the hot gym (think a hot Colorado day with 90% humidity). While most everyone is uncomfortable in this heat (I may be the exception), we're all bearing this "burden" with smiles and lots of water. One thing I've noticed is that the local residents all carry small towels with them that they use to mop the sweat from their faces.
"
After lunch, we split up again, with some of us returning to the hotel and most of the kids going back to their host families for a break. We'll get together again at 6:30 for a Japanese BBQ. Sand soccer tomorrow!
Some random thoughts:
Sanvino and Trebol are perfect matches - besides being similar type clubs, both teams are blessed with fantastic parents who knock themselves out as hosts. WOW!
Rice paddies are everywhere. I was told that many of them are on "open space," public land that is set aside for agriculture and protected from development, similar to some of the open space areas in Boulder county. Very cool!
Riding in a vehicle driving on the left side of the road is nerve wracking. Even though part of your brain gets it, the primitive part is still shocked.
Though American cultural influences are everywhere (7-11s, McDonalds, plenty of English signs), there's still plenty of Japan here in Japan - can you imagine roadside octopus stands in the U.S.?
The octopus stand
An order of baked octopus balls
Katie tries an octopus ball...she loved it
The following post comes from Felisa:
Ohayo gozaimasu! Good morning!
We are on our second day in Arao City Japan. The days are just as full for us as they were for the Sanvino team when they visited us in Colorado.
The kids all looked great on their first morning. They recovered well from the exhaustion of travel and got up for the first day of school without any problems. Many said they fell right to sleep when they got home. Families have really gone the extra mile to make sure the girls are comfortable. It looks as though they have given up their air-conditioned rooms for the girls. Our kids feel a little bad about it, too. It has been very hot, though, and I'm sure that sleeping un airconditioned would have made it much harder for them to recover from the trip.
Thankfully, on our first morning, it seems that the families planned to let everyone sleep in; they had set up the school program to begin well after school had started for their Japanese siblings. Two interesting tidbits: Joseph mentioned that the kids take off their shoes and put on slippers when they get into the school building!! And, just so you know, our kids were treated almost like rock stars. As the mayor later pointed out, a visit from a group of Americans in extremely uncommon here. The girls looked great in the "uniform". Dahlia mentioned that school was just like in the Hiyo Miyazaki movie "Whisper of the Heart". The uniforms that the kids wear, the bicycles lined up in front of school, the bell ringing for lunch. I think it gave her some comfort and was a bit odd, too, to find herself on a movie set!
The school had set up a program for the kids. They had a "fine arts" class where they worked on calligraphy with Japanese brushes. Each as a piece to bring home. There was a presentation with choral singing, traditional japanese music and a martial arts demonstration.
At the same time, the adults visited a shrine. Oscar and Joe were requested to help with the ringing of the bell. It took six men and one flying monk to send the clapper ringing against the outside of the bell. (We'll try to get video of this linked.) In between strikes, the monk chanted prayers and the helpers bowed. We all got our first taste of local sushi at "Yuki's hut". The menu had been set and was ready when we arrived; a California roll, a piece each of yellowtail, shrimp, tuna and salmon, and a side salad. A cold barley tea was served as well. It turns out that the owner's wife had lived in Hawaii for about a year and a half. She was very happy to meet us all. Many of us would like to go back for another meal. Oscar says he'd like to go back for a full meal!!! Before we left we were given a "necklace" with candies inside. It's not like the candy necklaces we have in the U.S. Everything was wrapped in the same piece of plastic which hung around the neck. It looked like a lot of Christmas crackers. Thanks to Terri, we all learned another good time to use "sumimasen". In this case it means, "oh, you shouldn't have."
As an aside, there is much bowing here in Japan. On the airplane flights from LA and Tokyo, the stewardesses would make their announcements and then, even though almost no one could see them, they would bow. After they had made their rounds they would bow to us before sitting. Hotel desk clerks, the dignitaries, the taxi riders and drivers. Everyone made a bow before getting down to business.
The two groups met up after school lunch to meet with dignitaries - the mayor, the superintendent of schools, and the head of public works for Arao. Mayor Maehata gave his speech entirely in English! (He was reading from a prepared speech) I have portions of it recorded and will try to get it linked up with Joe, too. Interestingly enough, he said that Lafayette/Louisville and Arao share a mining history. Each girl was introduced and they all bowed to the mayor. Ivy made a small (and excellent) speech. Oscar presented the letters, proclamation from Louisville and gifts.
After the Mayor's visit, the team went off to TV TKU where they got to see a taping (and I'm told that the tv cameras were turned on them). We are waiting to see the videotape of the visit as we missed the news (here's a link to a story about the story, but as of yet, there's no video clip - http://www.tku.co.jp/pc/news/view_news.php?id=18426&mod=3000. At the same time, the rest of the group were able to visit a sword making shop. Joey, Dylan and Reed were happy to be included in this side trip. They wielded the large hammers (I know there's a better name for them) and struck the anvil. Carol thought there was a beautiful rhythm and tone to the strike; that it made a sort of music.
There was a short break before the official welcoming party. Many of the girls changed into summer dresses. The families went out of their way to prepare delicious dishes for us. There were two sushi handroll stations. One featured tuna with the rice, another had a fermented bean as the staple. For both one could add rice, cooked egg and cucumber. There was miso soup, soba noodles, fish, tempura, miso soup with daikon (radish) and a clear speckled mushroom. There were more things, in fact, than I even got a chance to try! The meal was oyashi (delicious).
I can say, though, by the end of the evening (about 10 p.m.) everyone in our group was ready for bed. Dahlia, who is sharing a room with me at the hotel, fell asleep before I finished reading a full paragraph to her. I was not far behind.
This morning most were fresh and ready to go; we were all very hungry by breakfast time, especially those of us who went for a morning walk. Terri and Carol walked up to a cemetery. Carol was surprised that all the headstones had fresh flowers on them. Pat remarked how everything was so clean. We had walked on a street just by the train tracks -- one would assume it's the low rent district -- nonetheless, there was no trash to be seen on the streets anywhere.
This morning we were allowed a slightly later breakfast. We have all enjoyed the all you can eat buffet breakfast at the hotel. The typical fare is miso soup, raw egg (didn't see any of our group partake in that. I think you scramble it in your bowl and put soup with it.), rice, fish, salad greens, cooked spinach, yogurt. They do have cooked scrambled eggs (i didn't try those as they looked more odd than the other foods) and sausage, bread with butter and jam, coffee (hot and cold), tea, juices etc. Sharon misses pancakes or oatmeal. I miss my coffee, but haven't gotten a caffeine withdrawl headache. So it's all good, but all different. I figure that my internal clock is so messed up that it doesn't matter that breakfast looks like dinner.
The whole group will meet up again this morning for bowling at "Pasca world". The big question is weather they will have shoes big enough for the men. At the welcome party, none of the adult men could wear the slipper as almost half their feet stuck out the back. Luckily, wearing socks alone was acceptable. We tried to ask Coach Yamada last night and when we said that they'd need about a 45 he almost drove off the road!
We hope everyone back home is getting enough information. If you want to send any specific questions to your children, feel free to email me. I'll try to get online again after the bowling.
Regards,
Felisa
Ohayo gozaimasu! Good morning!
We are on our second day in Arao City Japan. The days are just as full for us as they were for the Sanvino team when they visited us in Colorado.
The kids all looked great on their first morning. They recovered well from the exhaustion of travel and got up for the first day of school without any problems. Many said they fell right to sleep when they got home. Families have really gone the extra mile to make sure the girls are comfortable. It looks as though they have given up their air-conditioned rooms for the girls. Our kids feel a little bad about it, too. It has been very hot, though, and I'm sure that sleeping un airconditioned would have made it much harder for them to recover from the trip.
Thankfully, on our first morning, it seems that the families planned to let everyone sleep in; they had set up the school program to begin well after school had started for their Japanese siblings. Two interesting tidbits: Joseph mentioned that the kids take off their shoes and put on slippers when they get into the school building!! And, just so you know, our kids were treated almost like rock stars. As the mayor later pointed out, a visit from a group of Americans in extremely uncommon here. The girls looked great in the "uniform". Dahlia mentioned that school was just like in the Hiyo Miyazaki movie "Whisper of the Heart". The uniforms that the kids wear, the bicycles lined up in front of school, the bell ringing for lunch. I think it gave her some comfort and was a bit odd, too, to find herself on a movie set!
The school had set up a program for the kids. They had a "fine arts" class where they worked on calligraphy with Japanese brushes. Each as a piece to bring home. There was a presentation with choral singing, traditional japanese music and a martial arts demonstration.
At the same time, the adults visited a shrine. Oscar and Joe were requested to help with the ringing of the bell. It took six men and one flying monk to send the clapper ringing against the outside of the bell. (We'll try to get video of this linked.) In between strikes, the monk chanted prayers and the helpers bowed. We all got our first taste of local sushi at "Yuki's hut". The menu had been set and was ready when we arrived; a California roll, a piece each of yellowtail, shrimp, tuna and salmon, and a side salad. A cold barley tea was served as well. It turns out that the owner's wife had lived in Hawaii for about a year and a half. She was very happy to meet us all. Many of us would like to go back for another meal. Oscar says he'd like to go back for a full meal!!! Before we left we were given a "necklace" with candies inside. It's not like the candy necklaces we have in the U.S. Everything was wrapped in the same piece of plastic which hung around the neck. It looked like a lot of Christmas crackers. Thanks to Terri, we all learned another good time to use "sumimasen". In this case it means, "oh, you shouldn't have."
As an aside, there is much bowing here in Japan. On the airplane flights from LA and Tokyo, the stewardesses would make their announcements and then, even though almost no one could see them, they would bow. After they had made their rounds they would bow to us before sitting. Hotel desk clerks, the dignitaries, the taxi riders and drivers. Everyone made a bow before getting down to business.
The two groups met up after school lunch to meet with dignitaries - the mayor, the superintendent of schools, and the head of public works for Arao. Mayor Maehata gave his speech entirely in English! (He was reading from a prepared speech) I have portions of it recorded and will try to get it linked up with Joe, too. Interestingly enough, he said that Lafayette/Louisville and Arao share a mining history. Each girl was introduced and they all bowed to the mayor. Ivy made a small (and excellent) speech. Oscar presented the letters, proclamation from Louisville and gifts.
After the Mayor's visit, the team went off to TV TKU where they got to see a taping (and I'm told that the tv cameras were turned on them). We are waiting to see the videotape of the visit as we missed the news (here's a link to a story about the story, but as of yet, there's no video clip - http://www.tku.co.jp/pc/news/view_news.php?id=18426&mod=3000. At the same time, the rest of the group were able to visit a sword making shop. Joey, Dylan and Reed were happy to be included in this side trip. They wielded the large hammers (I know there's a better name for them) and struck the anvil. Carol thought there was a beautiful rhythm and tone to the strike; that it made a sort of music.
There was a short break before the official welcoming party. Many of the girls changed into summer dresses. The families went out of their way to prepare delicious dishes for us. There were two sushi handroll stations. One featured tuna with the rice, another had a fermented bean as the staple. For both one could add rice, cooked egg and cucumber. There was miso soup, soba noodles, fish, tempura, miso soup with daikon (radish) and a clear speckled mushroom. There were more things, in fact, than I even got a chance to try! The meal was oyashi (delicious).
I can say, though, by the end of the evening (about 10 p.m.) everyone in our group was ready for bed. Dahlia, who is sharing a room with me at the hotel, fell asleep before I finished reading a full paragraph to her. I was not far behind.
This morning most were fresh and ready to go; we were all very hungry by breakfast time, especially those of us who went for a morning walk. Terri and Carol walked up to a cemetery. Carol was surprised that all the headstones had fresh flowers on them. Pat remarked how everything was so clean. We had walked on a street just by the train tracks -- one would assume it's the low rent district -- nonetheless, there was no trash to be seen on the streets anywhere.
This morning we were allowed a slightly later breakfast. We have all enjoyed the all you can eat buffet breakfast at the hotel. The typical fare is miso soup, raw egg (didn't see any of our group partake in that. I think you scramble it in your bowl and put soup with it.), rice, fish, salad greens, cooked spinach, yogurt. They do have cooked scrambled eggs (i didn't try those as they looked more odd than the other foods) and sausage, bread with butter and jam, coffee (hot and cold), tea, juices etc. Sharon misses pancakes or oatmeal. I miss my coffee, but haven't gotten a caffeine withdrawl headache. So it's all good, but all different. I figure that my internal clock is so messed up that it doesn't matter that breakfast looks like dinner.
The whole group will meet up again this morning for bowling at "Pasca world". The big question is weather they will have shoes big enough for the men. At the welcome party, none of the adult men could wear the slipper as almost half their feet stuck out the back. Luckily, wearing socks alone was acceptable. We tried to ask Coach Yamada last night and when we said that they'd need about a 45 he almost drove off the road!
We hope everyone back home is getting enough information. If you want to send any specific questions to your children, feel free to email me. I'll try to get online again after the bowling.
Regards,
Felisa
Guest posts on Day 2
If Day 2 (our first full day in Japan) was any indication of how great an experience this will be, then we're in store for a fabulous week here in Arao. Highlights of the day included a school trip for the kids, a visit to a Buddhist temple for the adults, a courtesy visit to the mayor and channel TKU, the local TV station that's sponsoring the sand soccer tournament, for the team, a sword making demonstration for the adults, octopus balls for the team courtesy of a spur-of-the-moment stop by Coach Yamada, and the great welcoming party. Unfortunately, I'm wiped, and so I asked several of the girls to write short entries about their experiences; none of the adults visited the school, so their reports will give you a taste of the kids' morning. I promise, though, that during tomorrow afternoon's break that I'll write a more complete report for the day and post a ton of pictures (and even a video or two). Now, for our blog items from today's guest bloggers:
Chase and Belle
Today was a great experience to see the Japanese school culture. We learned katakana characters. We also experienced our first Japanese school lunch food, which was quite an experience! We visited each class and met new friends. The school we visited also arranged a welcome ceremony that included a phenomenal band, two talented boys that were playing very cool Japanese guitars, and Judo black belt fighters. They put a lot of work into the performances and it definitely showed! All the students and teachers were very welcoming and kind to us all. One of our favorite classes had to be Englis; It was a bit easier for us! In the end we have experienced a wonderful culture and had a great time!
Ivy
Even though it-s been only a day, my trip is already filled with memories and unforgettable funny things. Today, I spoke more Japanese in my entire life. Shocker. I ate octopus and little gooey rice balls. I tried a new weird shower and I ran into a sliding door. There’s a lot more but hey, I’m not here to blog. You’ll just have to talk to me when I get home.
Cassi
I really liked going to the Japanese school. I learned a lot about their culture and even some of their music. It was a lot of fun, and it just goes to show you can have fun even if all you can do is wave. Lunch was also an interesting experience. Don’t eat the white weird looking grapes. Bad. Overall it’s fun. I’m glad to be here.
Chase and Belle
Today was a great experience to see the Japanese school culture. We learned katakana characters. We also experienced our first Japanese school lunch food, which was quite an experience! We visited each class and met new friends. The school we visited also arranged a welcome ceremony that included a phenomenal band, two talented boys that were playing very cool Japanese guitars, and Judo black belt fighters. They put a lot of work into the performances and it definitely showed! All the students and teachers were very welcoming and kind to us all. One of our favorite classes had to be Englis; It was a bit easier for us! In the end we have experienced a wonderful culture and had a great time!
Ivy
Even though it-s been only a day, my trip is already filled with memories and unforgettable funny things. Today, I spoke more Japanese in my entire life. Shocker. I ate octopus and little gooey rice balls. I tried a new weird shower and I ran into a sliding door. There’s a lot more but hey, I’m not here to blog. You’ll just have to talk to me when I get home.
Cassi
I really liked going to the Japanese school. I learned a lot about their culture and even some of their music. It was a lot of fun, and it just goes to show you can have fun even if all you can do is wave. Lunch was also an interesting experience. Don’t eat the white weird looking grapes. Bad. Overall it’s fun. I’m glad to be here.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Scenes from Day 1 - The Trip to Arao
Changing money in LA (should have waited until Tokyo, but we were unsure if we'd had the time)
The host families!!!!
At City Hall - waiting to meet their host families
The bus from Fukuoka airport to Arao
Everyone has their bags and we're ready to roll!
The Sakamotos greet us at the airport in Fukuoka
Making Our Way to Arao
WE MADE IT!!
It was a great trip to Japan - everything going very smoothly for the three separate groups, no problems out of the ordinary, and everyone connecting for a squeal-filled reunion at Tokyo's Narita airport. After the (relatively) short flight to Fukuoka, we received a rousing greeting from Coach Yamada, Mrs. Kuwamoto, Mr. Sakamoto and the Sakamoto boys. There they were at the exit from baggage claim, waving American flags and welcome signs. Even the charter bus had a great welcome sign in the window.
Once we arrive in Arao, Club Sanvino gave us a terrific welcome at City Hall, complete with handmade paper bags (directions to come for all the crafters out there), personalized t-shirts for all, and bigs hugs and smiles!
THANKS SANVINO. It was great finally meeting the families of the kids we hosted in Colorado.
Some random notes & observations:
Many people asked us in the airports and on planes about our team...the universal response was, "That's cool!"
The grapes at the welcome gathering were the juiciest, most flavorful I've ever eaten.
The girls are going to have no troubles given their personalities and the host families
At Narita, they get off the plane and they just sit down, right there.
On the bus from Arao, everyone crashed. Pat commented you could have put grapes on their mouths and kit them like golf balls.
The food on ANA was super (eat your heart out United)
The Sanvino boys are all drooling over our girls.
Our kids were spectacularly behaved, great buddies to each other on the trip.
Our kids were very open and gracious when meeting their hosts - everyone was good at shaking hands and hugging; no teenage reticence last night!!!
Immigration and customs at Narita airport was top-notch. Oscar joked that if we were in Latin America, we'd still be waiting in line.
Total agreement that the breakfast buffet at the hotel was "different, but terrific!"
It was a great trip to Japan - everything going very smoothly for the three separate groups, no problems out of the ordinary, and everyone connecting for a squeal-filled reunion at Tokyo's Narita airport. After the (relatively) short flight to Fukuoka, we received a rousing greeting from Coach Yamada, Mrs. Kuwamoto, Mr. Sakamoto and the Sakamoto boys. There they were at the exit from baggage claim, waving American flags and welcome signs. Even the charter bus had a great welcome sign in the window.
Once we arrive in Arao, Club Sanvino gave us a terrific welcome at City Hall, complete with handmade paper bags (directions to come for all the crafters out there), personalized t-shirts for all, and bigs hugs and smiles!
THANKS SANVINO. It was great finally meeting the families of the kids we hosted in Colorado.
Some random notes & observations:
Many people asked us in the airports and on planes about our team...the universal response was, "That's cool!"
The grapes at the welcome gathering were the juiciest, most flavorful I've ever eaten.
The girls are going to have no troubles given their personalities and the host families
At Narita, they get off the plane and they just sit down, right there.
On the bus from Arao, everyone crashed. Pat commented you could have put grapes on their mouths and kit them like golf balls.
The food on ANA was super (eat your heart out United)
The Sanvino boys are all drooling over our girls.
Our kids were spectacularly behaved, great buddies to each other on the trip.
Our kids were very open and gracious when meeting their hosts - everyone was good at shaking hands and hugging; no teenage reticence last night!!!
Immigration and customs at Narita airport was top-notch. Oscar joked that if we were in Latin America, we'd still be waiting in line.
Total agreement that the breakfast buffet at the hotel was "different, but terrific!"
Monday, July 13, 2009
Coach Oscar
The driving force behind our exchange with Club Sanvino is Coach Oscar Marcia. Coach Oscar started with the U15 team back when they were U10s, when none of us knew the difference between a Rivelino and a revolution. Today, he not only coaches the U15 Premier division team, but also the U12 girls Premier team. As anyone who knows Oscar will tell you, his passion for and knowledge about soccer is almost limitless, and the girls on these two teams are lucky indeed to have him as their coach.
An electrical engineer by training and trade, Oscar also serves as President of the Dahlia and Rosa Marcia Foundation, which he and wife Felisa founded in 2007. The Foundation, headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, is a nonprofit and educational organization whose mission is to encourage area youth, regardless of ethnic, racial or economic backgrounds, to purse personal, team and community goals through sports and education. For more information about the Foundation and its mission, contact Coach Oscar at 720-887-8291 or via email at drm.foundation@yahoo.com
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sand Soccer Practice
Since we don't get of a chance to play sand soccer here in Colorado, the girls took to the sand volleyball court at Arapahoe Ridge for 90 minutes of learning just how tricky it is playing in the sand (everyone got a great demonstration from me - and more than a few laughs - on just how tricky it will be for the goalies to field shots bouncing over the sand. After an hour of foot-volleyball and drills, we had a 30 minute scrimmage filled with plenty of hooting and hollering. We finished our penultimate 2-hour practice with a fast-paced scrimmage on grass.
Thanks to the Bostics for hosting this event and having the girls over for pizza after swimming!!!
One more practice to go on Tuesday and then we're off to Japan on Wednesday. I can't wait.
Thanks to the Bostics for hosting this event and having the girls over for pizza after swimming!!!
One more practice to go on Tuesday and then we're off to Japan on Wednesday. I can't wait.
Our Last Fundraiser Goes Great
It was a beautiful Saturday and we had a great turnout for our last fundraiser, which was held at Beef O'Brady's sports bar in Louisville. A big thanks to event organizers Greg and Diana!!!!
Over 80 people turned out for a nice buffet and great conversation. The U15 girls had their first experiences as waitresses, serving drink orders with great speed and removing plates after folks had finished their lunches. Excellent job, ladies! Entertainment consisted of a slide show (thanks Michele) from the March visit by club Sanvino.
Friday, July 10, 2009
With our departure for Japan just days away, the Marcia Foundation and the Trebol U15 Girls team would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has helped make this soccer exchange possible, starting with the family, friends, and neighbors who sent in donations to the Marcia Foundation and who purchased coffee and tickets to the Disco Ball and Beef O’Brady events. THANK YOU!!!!!
To the Trebol Soccer Club, especially the support from the Trebol U12 Girls team (sister team to the U15 girls team), and Pancho Hansen, Karen Logan, and Scott Scheifele (thanks for the gifts, Scott, for Club Sanvino). THANK YOU!!!!!
To Bill Patterson, who from the goodness of his heart and with his wonderful artistic skill, made delightful gifts for the Sanvino host families. And to David and Dann Cuin for their lovely glass works. THANK YOU!!!!!
To Beef O’Brady’s and US 36 Commuting Solutions for giving our girls the opportunity to raise funds for the trip. THANK YOU!!!!!
To Kayla Matino’s godfather, George Lee, who made it possible for girls to look sharp in their matching white polo shirts, and to EmbroiderMe for adding a special touch to the shirts. THANK YOU!!!!!
To Boulder Beer for helping with libations for the Disco Ball, to Steve Robertson for organizing the bash and for his excellent DJ’ing talents, and to Lorri Robertson for graciously hosting the after-party, soccer-watching get-together. THANK YOU!!!!!
To the City of Louisville and the City of Lafayette, both for rolling out the red carpet when club Sanvino visited here in March, and for the wonderful proclamations and messages of friendship that they are sending us with to Arao. THANK YOU!!!!!
To the executives at Peter Matino’s company, who dug into their own wallets to help sponsor our trip. THANK YOU!!!!!
To the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, for giving us a booth at the Family Fun Festival. THANK YOU!!!!!
To Valerie Kaufman for all the hard work and patience in coordinating our flights. THANK YOU!!!!!
To Sarah Ng for beinga super Japanese tutor. DOMO ARIGATO!!!!!
To Tara Gratz, who helped turn Oscar’s dream into a reality and saved Joe from many sleepless nights. THANK YOU!!!!!
And finally, there are no words to fully express our gratitude to every parent of a U15 Trebol team player. As always, your commitment and generosity go well beyond the call of duty. THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!
Oscar and Joe
To the Trebol Soccer Club, especially the support from the Trebol U12 Girls team (sister team to the U15 girls team), and Pancho Hansen, Karen Logan, and Scott Scheifele (thanks for the gifts, Scott, for Club Sanvino). THANK YOU!!!!!
To Bill Patterson, who from the goodness of his heart and with his wonderful artistic skill, made delightful gifts for the Sanvino host families. And to David and Dann Cuin for their lovely glass works. THANK YOU!!!!!
To Beef O’Brady’s and US 36 Commuting Solutions for giving our girls the opportunity to raise funds for the trip. THANK YOU!!!!!
To Kayla Matino’s godfather, George Lee, who made it possible for girls to look sharp in their matching white polo shirts, and to EmbroiderMe for adding a special touch to the shirts. THANK YOU!!!!!
To Boulder Beer for helping with libations for the Disco Ball, to Steve Robertson for organizing the bash and for his excellent DJ’ing talents, and to Lorri Robertson for graciously hosting the after-party, soccer-watching get-together. THANK YOU!!!!!
To the City of Louisville and the City of Lafayette, both for rolling out the red carpet when club Sanvino visited here in March, and for the wonderful proclamations and messages of friendship that they are sending us with to Arao. THANK YOU!!!!!
To the executives at Peter Matino’s company, who dug into their own wallets to help sponsor our trip. THANK YOU!!!!!
To the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, for giving us a booth at the Family Fun Festival. THANK YOU!!!!!
To Valerie Kaufman for all the hard work and patience in coordinating our flights. THANK YOU!!!!!
To Sarah Ng for beinga super Japanese tutor. DOMO ARIGATO!!!!!
To Tara Gratz, who helped turn Oscar’s dream into a reality and saved Joe from many sleepless nights. THANK YOU!!!!!
And finally, there are no words to fully express our gratitude to every parent of a U15 Trebol team player. As always, your commitment and generosity go well beyond the call of duty. THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!
Oscar and Joe
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The girls are working very hard to raise funds for the trip to Japan next month. For example, one Saturday they volunteered at the Lafayette Fun Festival, manning a soccer for kids area. At the Trebol booth, the girls also sold coffee, tickets to the disco ball and Beef O'Bradys, and Ann Matino's jewelry.
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