Soccer players from the V.I. Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy are headed to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, this weekend for the first tournament in a newly established inter-island soccer exchange program.
The V.I. Montessori elementary team has been the territory champs for the last five years. In May of this year, the junior varsity team won the V.I. Presidents’ Cup.
“The Dominican Republic trip will raise the bar on the competition level,” said V.I. coach Adalio Araujo. “Our teams will be great ambassadors for the Virgin Islands and our students will be provided a great learning experience.”
This weekend’s competition will consist of four games played over two days, Saturday and Sunday.
VIMSIA Head of School Michael Bornn said. “Exposing children to soccer may also stimulate them to think broader about the world in terms of countries, people and culture”
“This inter-island soccer exchange program will encourage our children to have a global mindset and supports our school’s Spanish infusion program,” Bornn said.
A written statement announcing the program credited Dr. Jaime-David Fernandez and Soterio Ramirez, the Minister and Vice Minister of Sports for the Dominican Republic, with supporting the program and helping to establish it.
The school is sending 17 people, including the players, and is asking for financial assistance to help defray travel costs. To contribute, call Erika Gomez, marketing and development director, at (340) 775-6360.