Three Members of IUWS Visit Dominican Republic with Aspiras Foundation
5/30/2018 3:31:00 PM | Women's Soccer
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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana Women's Soccer's Maya Piper, Melanie Forbes and Bethany Kopel recently returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic, where they spread the game of soccer with the Aspiras Foundation.
Aspiras, which Piper currently serves as president for, uses soccer as a way to empower youth and reinforce positive role models. Those on the trip conducted training camps, refurbished soccer fields and connected with kids socially to reinforce inclusion as well as promote a better future for themselves and their communities.
"It's my goal with Aspiras to encourage them to play sports and continue to get an education by providing them with the gear necessary to do so and the role models to inspire them," said Piper. "It was an incredible experience overall that impacted me as much as it impacted the kids. The trip served as a reminder to be grateful for what I have, to help those who I might be able to impact and to continue working with the Aspiras Foundation to help the kids in the Dominican Republic see a brighter future." Maya Piper
Piper, Forbes and Kopel traveled to Punta Cana, Cabarete, Mao, and Santo Domingo, working with more than 500 children across 10 schools and clubs. In addition, the group brought more than 200 items, including gently used cleats and soccer balls, to donate to those in need.
"Throughout the year I promoted Aspiras wherever I could despite not having the experience of actually seeing the problem with my own two eyes," said Piper. "I knew I needed to go to the Dominican so that I could authentically represent the situation and speak with my own words. The experience made me grateful for everything I have had access to in my childhood like a good education, a supportive family and the opportunity to play a sport I love. There are so many girls and boys in the Dominican that have dreams of playing a sport and going to college, but they feel discouraged by the numerous barriers that stand in front of them such as the lack of resources, money, and guidance." Bethany Kopel
The Aspiras Foundation originated at Western Michigan and has now expanded to Indiana and Columbia. More information about the foundation can be found at https://www.aspirasfoundation.org/ The IU Aspiras Foundation with a youth soccer team Melanie Forbes (left) and Maya Piper (right)
