Our South American Odyssey: Preview Jason Koegler March 28, 2019 After months of planning, fundraising, meeting — and lots of soccer — reality finally settled in. The exact timing of such realization happened a few weeks ago when Diego Gattesco sent a message to our group on “WhatsApp.” It was an audio-file recording from Cadena 3, the most popular radio station in Cordoba, Argentina (population 1.5 million). In what seems like a recap of the coming news and events of the next few weeks, highlighted was the upcoming visit from the “Ninos (boys) de (of) Wheeeeeeeeeling (Wheeling, West Virginia).” In that moment we switched from fundraiser mode to, “Wait, where are we going again exactly? How long is the flight? What should we pack?“ Listen closely at 47 seconds… https://weelunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/AUDIO-2019-03-23-09-20-23.mp3 The “we” involved here is the FC Wheeling United Under-14 Boys Soccer team and parents, coaches and ambassadors; the “what” is a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Gattesco’s homeland of Argentina. (Read a previous Weelunk story here.) For over six months we have worked toward raising nearly $40,000, which enables all 14 boys the opportunity to have the trip completely paid for. From selling candles and Super Bowl squares to hosting an Argentina themed dinner complete with dancing lessons and homemade empanadas. We have so many people and organizations to thank for the support of the trip and today we would especially like to thank Stratford Springs, who as our title sponsor, is supporting this series, “Our South American Odyssey”. A message from Manuel Ruiz, Manager of all youth programs at Club Atletico Talleres, one of our hosts … https://weelunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/07cf332e-ffca-4fb0-b95b-140b990130fb.mp4 “Our South American Odyssey” will be a journal-style daily piece, documenting the trip, and written by the boys themselves. Each day one to two boys will don “Weelunk Press” badges (literally), and will be charged with capturing the essence of their day by taking pictures and video with their phones, conducting interviews with fellow players and parents, as well as people that we will meet. There will be no shortage of story ideas in this trip, as Diego has used his resources well and has delivered a trip of epic proportions. This series is sponsored by the generous support of Stratford Springs Family Restaurant Argentina Trip Draft Itinerary Thursday, March 28, 2019 Gather at White Palace at Wheeling Park Depart to Washington, DC DC United Stadium Visit – Audi Field Argentine Embassy Visit Capitol Mall and Museum area Friday, March 29, 2019 Depart to Cordoba Saturday, March 30, 2019 Arrive in Cordoba Gathering at Canchas Claret. Pickup soccer and Asado with Instituto Maria de Nazareth school families Depart to Stadium Kempes Talleres de Cordoba vs River Plate Match Sunday, March 31, 2019 City Tour Centro Tour – Plaza San Martin, Cabildo, Catedral, Manzana Jesuita, Capuchinos, etc. Maria de Nazareth School Meet with Instituto Maria de Nazareth families – drop kids Monday, April 1, 2019 School day – Instituto Maria de Nazareth Soccer match – Lasallano Club Tuesday, April 2, 2019 Cordoba – Local Holiday- Malvinas Day Practice with Talleres Youth Program Predio Amadeo Nuccetelli C.A.Talleres View Professional Team Practice Gathering with Host families Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Soccer match with Talleres U14 Team Predio Amadeo Nuccetelli C.A.Talleres Almuerzo Comedor Pastore Depart to Buenos Aires Thursday, April 4, 2019 Arrive in Buenos Aires Breakfast and visit Plaza de Mayo Visit Teatro Colon and Obelisco Casa Rosada Visit Almuerzo/Lunch – La Cátedra Restaurante U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires Visit Palacio Bosch Visit – Ambassador Residence Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti – River Plate Stadium Return to Cordoba Friday, April 5, 2019 Arrive in Cordoba Depart to Carlos Paz Visit Carlos Paz Speed Kart Saturday, April 6, 2019 Return to Wheeling Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment.