University of Washington Athletics and the community of Chuilacruz, Guatemala
Through ten days, the student athletes from the University of Washington set out on a journey to Chuilacruz Guatemala. With the original intent of going to work and build a sports court, these athletes ended up leaving with moments and memories that would have a lifelong impact.
These 14 students started out the journey early on a Friday morning, taking flights from Seattle to Mexico City to Guatemala. Landing late that evening they spent the night in a hostel to later continue on a 5-hour drive to the small village of Chuilacruz, Guatemala where they would spend the bulk of their trip. The community was more than welcoming, opening up their school to accommodate our large group. Sleeping on classrooms floors and eating every meal at the collective school tables would eventually lead to a beautifully strong bond between the students themselves and with the community.
Day 1: We had the wonderful opportunity to experience the communities beyond Chuilacruz. We enjoyed each other’s company along the scenic windy roads of Santa Maria Chiquimula. Venturing to a beautiful waterfall where we learned a new game and danced with one another. Following that hike we stopped in the main town on our drive back to walk along the streets of town, meeting locals. The main church was gorgeous with large white walls with bells and statues of Saint Mary on the outside, along with a large beautiful alter on the inside. It was a true blessing to be allowed within the grounds of such a sacred place. The market was lively and busy, full of traditional dress wear, local foods and many stray dogs. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to have, let alone pet any. Although to wrap up our already amazing day, we were honored to be welcomed into the local church to Chuilacruz for a community church ceremony. It was truly empowering and we are very grateful to be welcomed by such lovely individuals into their community. I cannot explain how wonderful it has been and the hospitality upon our arrival will always be appreciated.
Day 2: So the work begins. This was our first day working on the sports court. The entirety of the project included moving over 120 one-hundred-pound cement bags up a hill, filling and transporting hundreds of buckets of sand, rocks, and water over to the mixture in order to create the foundation of the court, as well as work alongside the community as a singular team in this project. Even the children of the community insisted on helping us shovel materials into buckets and even transport them, which was not easy work. We divided the work into 3 sections, so this first day only included competing the middle third of the court. Although we had our bumps along the way, this first time around, by the end we figured out a system that worked best for us. This was our first step into truly beginning to connect with the community and build relationships with the locals of Chuilacruz. The children and their families are very warm and open, understanding our lack of Spanish but appreciating our efforts of trying. Even though there was a bit of a language barrier at times, that did not stop us from creating friendships and meaningful memories. Following the completion of the day’s work, we had the chance to learn from some of the locals how to make Paches, which is a traditional dish most commonly made for celebrations and is very similar to a tamale. Everybody had the chance to try making their own and these creations ended up being our dinner for the night. It was wonderful seeing how the community wanted to bring us in to their culture and teach us things we likely never would have known about or ever tried on our own.
Day 3: waking up every day, especially on the third day to a nice warm plate of rice and beans along with some coffee was very nice. We started the day the same as the previous by bringing up 120 bags of concrete. Even after falling over while trying to grab a bag my spirits didn’t fall. After figuring out the system that works for us, the second day of working on the court went a lot more smoothly. We effectively moved through the second third of the court more efficiently. Having a system to go along even when we ran out of the rocks we still managed to get it done before lunch! Seeing the locals moving the buckets over the shoulder inspired me to do the same. It turns out carrying it on your shoulder reduces the weight as long as you use your legs to move it up. Sun drying became our best friend after sweating and spilling some water on ourselves. Then we got to see a tidbit of the Mayan culture and getting to watch a shortened version of what they do to celebrate life. Really connecting with nature and the world around us, not materialistic things, really puts everything around you and how you live a “normal” life into perspective.
While talking to the school principal we got to learn so much about the kids they might’ve not gotten the chance to let me in on. Some examples of this would be the kids eat twice a day at 10 and 4, they solely speak K´iche in school. They learn some Spanish and English depending on the grade. They are very bright kids and willing to learn. For example, this 10-year-old kid name Antonio was really interested in saying our names in English. We then taught him how to pronounce “J” in English, along with how to play Uno. He then taught us about the tutulachuck, which is a native beetle.
Day 4: the last days of work definitely brought its challenges. We ran out of the sand quickly because we were working so fast. During this break we got to talk to some of the community members that worked in the kitchen and they were really interested in what we wanted to do with our schooling. Getting to talk about what I want to do in literal terms put into perspective on how in the future I may be able to help communities much like Chuilacruz. Then we started to work again and after completing 2/3s of the last portions of the court, and we ran out of rocks one last time. After finishing the last bits of the court in the pouring rain we went to learn more about the Guatemalan culture at the hot springs. The local community uses the hot springs as their path to bathe. Two kids, 7 and 8, named Santi and Sophia started to chat with us. They told us how a lot of tourists stop by from all over the world, and how they may want to move to China one day. They also introduced us to their grandmother who was 105 years of age. Following the adventure of the hot springs, which truly helped with our sore muscles, we settled back in at the school. We had a lovely evening of games and conversations amongst the children and each other.
Day 5: Now that the court was completed, it was time to inaugurate the court. Before doing so that afternoon, we headed over to a turf soccer arena for a tournament. We had most of our student athletes play games against the children, which were extremely fun. But the finale that the locals were really looking forward to as well as ourselves was the big match. Five of Chuilacruz´s best players against ours. Luckily we had 3 players from the men’s soccer team as well as one of our athletic trainers who has soccer experience. The game was intense and a ton of fun. Although the soccer was high on both sides, the UW Dawgs did come out on top. Once we had completed the tournament, everyone headed home to get ready for the celebration. The inauguration included commemorating the court in honor of the children at the local school, as well as traditional dances performed by the students, speeches and gratitudes by members involved in the construction of the court, cutting the official ribbon of the court, setting off fireworks and celebrating with some photos. The awesome members of the educational system in Chuilacruz even made each of us a certificate in remembrance for our service and awarded us with gifts handcrafted by the children. It was so beautiful and such a blessing to be involved with. The connections that we made with the locals and their children are true friendships and forever cherished relationships. I know if any of us were given the chance we would all do it over again in a heartbeat.
When it came time for the students of the University of Washington to leave Chuilacruz, many embraces were shared and smiles spread. They love the community of Chuilacruz, which fully embraced them with open arms. Although the language they spoke was not always the same, the intentions and connections made were real and true. These memories and experiences will never be forgotten and will live on in the hearts of these students. I know that the last 10 days has taught them lessons and values that will last a lifetime. I encourage anybody every given the opportunity to go on an adventure like this one, especially through Courts for Kids, that you go for it without any hesitation and fully cherish every moment.
Written by: Olivia Fox and Casandra Pendleton, University of Washington Athletics
Volunteer quotes:
“What I understand more clearly now is that in communities that may appear economically poor, they’re very rich in community and family relationships.” - Olivia Fox
“What I have learned from the community I how to be a hard worker and care for others, and how to work along strangers to meet a common goal and just give my all even when I feel I needed a break.” - Rhonda Newton
“I loved sharing experiences with the community and building the court together, seeing the joy on the kid’s faces and how excited they were, will forever be in my mind.” - Heidi Nordstrom
“With this trip I learned that I can do hard things, I was pushed out of my comfort zone and I was surprised how well I handled it. I pushed myself physically and mentally.” - Lauren Wilcock
“We started out playing soccer and I love how every single person was really into it and it really solidified the impact the court can have on bringing people together in the community.” - Maddie Ohm
“I have really benefitted from disconnecting from my phone while being here. Being surrounded by people everyday who are hard working and caring is a tough environment to leave. I hope to bring the good habits I have gained back to my daily life.”
- Margaret Young
Community quotes:
“Grateful to the institution and the volunteers who came to the community of CHUILACRUZ to work on the multi-sports court project, it was a special experience since they shared our culture and left a great project in the community.”
- Antonia Zacarías Chic Jo, Community member
“May God bless the volunteers and the institution who came from the United States to support the school children with a beautiful project for the children to do physical education and play sports.”
- Antonia Florentina Joj Lux, Community member
“I am very grateful for the great support it gave to the community of the Paraje Chuilacruz, in the construction of the sports court. With this project the children will have a place to practice sports and do physical education, they will also be able to practice other sports in addition to soccer, it will also benefit the young people of the community where they can play and have fun, and the volunteers who came to work, may God bless them always since it was pleasant to have their presence and share part of our culture with them.”
- Santiago Everlado Joj Tzoy, school teacher
“Grateful to the institution and the volunteers who came to build the sports court, we were surprised because they came with an open mind to learn about our culture and our way of life. God bless them for the help, I’m always grateful, for the project donated to the community, which is a dream come true for young children and parents.”
- Pedro Lux Carrillo, school teacher
