During the 1st week of August 2005, the 33rd Norway Cup soccer tournament took place in Oslo.  The tournament, which is organized each year for youngsters from around the world, on this occasion counted with two special “Dole, Bend it” teams from Costa Rica.

Dole and Bama, a Norwegian retailer, wished to give something back to the banana plantation workers which produce their bananas.  And what better way than by inviting some of the workers’ children to participate in the 2005 Norway Cup tournament!

Dole and Bama, who also share a commitment to physical activity, decided to sponsor one boy’s team (ages 14-16) and one girl’s team (ages 12-16) from Costa Rica to travel to Norway.  Thanks to Dole and Bama, 40 mostly plantation workers’ children were able to travel outside of Costa Rica for the first time.  The Costa Rican kids were given the chance to share this valuable experience with the other 35,000 children participating in this event from around the globe.

During the tournament, the Dole, Bend-it teams stood out for their excellent behavior both on and off the field and the boy’s team was even elected as “the most charming team” in the Norway Cup!  The boys and girls from Costa Rica were great ambassadors of their country during their 10 day stay in Oslo.

When asked about the Dole, Bend-it teams, their guide Abel Fernandez stated, “Everyone is grateful to be here.  Soccer is everything for these children.  The teams are very disciplined and professional and the team spirit is always great.  A chance like this is almost unreal to them. But they have also worked very hard to get here”. 

Coach Leroy Foster was responsible for the training of both teams.  Mr. Foster has a long track record as a soccer player in Costa Rica and Mexico and has also been coaching the premier league in Panama.