Aim Returns from South African Adventure
This week, a group of Aim Athletes, staff, parents and family members returned from an epic trip to South Africa. The week-long experience blended competition, community, culture and of course, fun!
At the start of the trip, the group made the most of flight delays before landing in South Africa, and their first full day left their hearts feeling extra full. Day 1 the group kicked things off with Inspire Children & Youth where they worked side by side with new friends, learned from children and had the biggest smiles all day long. Athletes, parents and coaches lent a helping hand by planting seeds, painting walls and building benches. Plus, they showed them a few fun Aim games like Chicken in the Hut, danced and had extra fun with face painting.
Aim Athlete Lucy Morrison said the day at Inspire was one of the most meaningful parts about the trip.
“The trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am so grateful to have gone. After our long travel days, we started off our trip at Inspire with a give back day. We learned about the program, what they do there and connected with the kids. Throughout the day working and playing with the kids, my perspective on the world changed. The experience taught me how one small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day or even week.”
As the days went on, the athletes were further immersed into the culture and overall field hockey experience in South Africa. They played in three games against three South African clubs. The team came away with three victories throughout the trip, including a close match up where they came from behind to tie and win in shootouts! 
Aim Athlete Sam O’Neil shared that representing Aim abroad on the field was an incredible experience.
“It was really different playing against teams that have some completely different tactics than the U.S. It taught me how to become more flexible, adaptable and adjust quickly on the field.”
The South African experience also included unique activities like game drives to see lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and more; history tours at Victor Verster Prison where Nelson Mandela walked free; amazing views from Table Mountain; a 14-course meal with traditional Mali puppets and entertainment, and a group favorite activity of learning to surf off the South African coast!
Owner and Director of Aim, Lauren Cornthwaite, shared that it was incredible to think about all that they packed into a week.
“The trip to South Africa was truly epic! Anywhere we went, anything we did, anything that happened, and any amount of hours we packed things in, I would turn and see full, genuine smiles! Smiles, joy, gratitude, togetherness, flexibility, courage, selflessness radiated from all on the trip. It’s not always easy to travel closely with a group with very little downtime for an extended period, and this group made it so enjoyable for everyone!”
Now back on American soil, the summer season of hockey continues! To learn more about their experience, please visit our social media pages for expanded details and photos of their South African adventure.
