Subject: An Ecuadorian Boys Squash story

( Click on the above picture to play the YOUTUBE)

Dear Friends and supporters of Emilio,

As a supporter of Emilio and his university and Squash pursuits, I wanted to update you on his world.

Emilio finished his first semester at the University of San Fransisco, Quito with a 3.5 GPA in his Business major.

Emilio is pleased with this first semester and looking forward to his Fall Semester. His sights are set on possibly doing an "Intercambiio" at Boston University in the Fall of 2024, once he finally gets his VISA and works on his English.

As you may remember, Emilio and I connected through our mutual passion for Squash. Many hours on Zoom are spent talking and beaming about playing and Emilio asking about my Squash team at Concord Academy.

Supporting Emilio in his personal pursuit to reach his potential in his sport has been a major focus of mine.

Emilio's dream and big goal were to leave Ecuador and train and compete with other players while improving his English. Emilio has spent years watching his peers go to train in other countries and his family has not had the resources to support this kind of travel.

The initial idea was to come to the US/Boston, stay with us, and train in the area...But the US EMBASSY had other ideas and decided to take a vacation day on the day of his April 25 appointment.

No US VISA...no trip to the US.

A crazy training idea came up and we are making it happen.

The BIG news is that Emilio will go to train in Alexandria, Egypt at Alex Club West with Mohamed Elkeiy. He will stay for 3 months.

Emilio will be the first Ecuadorian to ever train in Egypt: Squash Mecca. Clearly, this will be a huge deal for Emilio. Emilio has received a scholarship to help with the training and lodging costs. In support of Emilio, Tom and I are trying to help cover the following costs:

1. FOOD

$300 x 3 months --> $900

2. AIRFARE : Roundtrip: Quito-->Alexandria

$2150

3. A tournament entry fee and incidentals( travel, lodging) in CAIRO

$450

Any little bit of a contribution towards Food, airfare or his tournament week in Cairo would be so appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to share in our excitement for Emilio.