Help us take Santiago to the World Junior Surfing Championship!

Project Objective

This dedicated and disciplined young man was recently chosen to be a member of the Colombian Surf Team and has been invited to attend the Junior World Championship organized by the International Surf Association in Huntington Beach, California from October 26 to November 4, 2018.

Unfortunately, the Colombian Olympic Committee has denied the necessary aid to support Santiago on this occasion - so we want to help him take this important step in his career.

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Who we are & What We Do

The Surf League of Chocó, began 6 years ago forming the Termales and Partadó clubs, two neighboring towns to the south of the municipality of Nuquí in Chocó, Colombia. Today we have four clubs, the most recent, the municipal seat.

There are more than 200 children and teens in the Surf League of Chocó. They are the true guardians of the Gulf of Tribuga, who practice sports regularly with boards and equipment donated by friends, allies and tourists who come to visit.

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Santiago’s Story

18 year old Santiago Valencia was born in Termales, Nuquí (Chocó, Colombia). He is a young promising junior category surfer. He’s been surfing for 6 years across coasts in Colombia, having first made acquaintances with the sport in his hometown.

Coming from a humble family, he was fortunate to have previously received a donation of a personalized surfboard from HerbaLife (Todos Somos Nuquí) that has allowed him to increase his sporting performance, demonstrated most recently in his results at the 2018 National Surf Circuit where he won a bronze medal in the validation stages of San Bernardo del Viento, Córdoba. A very positive balance considering that it was his first time competing.

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What We Need

We are looking to raise funds to give Santiago:

1. Airfare (including transportation of surfboards)

2. U.S. Visa

3. Accomodation and meal expenses

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The impact Santiago’s journey will have on the social development of his community and region:

The immediate impact is to give Santiago the opportunity to expand his horizons and compete globally. An experience to teach and show the potential of sportsmanship, fuel his passion and give it course to a solid future. This will be a significant step in reaching the greatest goal: the Olympics.

Santiago himself, as part of La Liga de Surf del Chocó and its advances will be a motivating and inspirational voice to more of the local youth, to join the League’s circuit and create the largest surf school in Colombia.