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The 2005 City University of New York Women’s Volleyball Goodwill Tour to Buenos Aires, Argentina (July 30-August 10) was a smashing success. In addition to competing against some high quality competition, the CUNY contingent experienced a variety of cultural and community service activities over a span of eleven days. From horseback riding in the countryside to visiting the nearby country of Uruguay, many unbelievable memories were made.

“It’s been an unbelievable opportunity to expand our horizons geographically, socially, and on the volleyball court, said CCNY’s Erja Vettenranta. “I know that it will be very hard to experience another trip like this, where I have been able to meet so many people and enjoy the company of so many different characters.”

The CUNY student-athletes will never forget their visit with PUPI, an organization for underprivileged children in Buenos Aires. They spent an entire day taking part in their daily routine and interacting with the kids by reading, drawing, and dancing with them. Each member of the traveling party was asked to bring little gifts to give to the children. Before our departure we wanted to leave the children with something to remember us by. The most popular item for the boys were mini soccer balls and the girls all wanted Dorothy Junio’s stuffed animal. “It was tough to give up Patrick, my stuffed animal of 8 years,” said Junior. “I felt that it would make a good friend to someone else and it would give comfort to all the children so I gave it away.”

A one hour boat ride was all it took for the CUNY contingent to have a unique opportunity to spend a day in Colonia, Uruguay. We arrived in Colonia, had lunch, and were given a bus tour of this historical city. We toured Real de San Carlos, a bull fighting stadium and the oldest street in Uruguay (Lacalle de los suspiros). We were able to see different neighborhoods, both rich and poor, and a variety of homes and architecture.

The people of Argentina are extremely passionate about the game of soccer. So it was only natural that we needed to experience this level of fanaticism with our own eyes and ears. On a cold, Sunday afternoon we attended a match at River Plate Stadium between River Plate and Tiro Federal. Over 30,000 spectators were present to witness a 2-0 victory for the home team. We were surprised to see the home fans on their feet, singing and chanting the entire game. This is a custom that is seen all over soccer stadiums throughout Argentina and many other countries where soccer reigns supreme. Our group enjoyed singing and cheering along with the home fans as we quickly learned some of their beloved songs.

On the court, the team played five matches and compiled a record of 2-2-1. "It was so much fun to compete against these great teams," said CCNY´s Erja Vettenranta. "Despite the fact that we lost a couple, I felt like we played really well and hard each match. It was a great experience."

“Our trip was a once in a lifetime experience,” said CUNYAC Executive Director Zak Ivkovic. “It’s very rewarding to be able to give 15 of our student-athletes an opportunity to see a different country and learn a new culture. I know that they had a great learning experience and will remember the trip for the rest of their lives.”