Downey AYSO Region 24 took three teams to Costa Rica on a cultural and humanitarian trip, where they also played competitive teams from San Carlos and Liberia. The Downey teams - girls 16u, boys 16u and boys 19u - took with them soccer balls, cleats, school supplies and backpacks which they donated to Costa Rica players. The players and their families were treated to local folkloric dancing and music, they also zip-lined, rappelled a vertical mountain, went horseback riding, white water rafting, rode quad runners on the beach, visited a local animal rescue center and swam in the hot springs. "This experience will never be forgotten," said McKenzie Jackson, a Miss Downey Teen who participated in the trip. Players and their families fundraised to cover travel fees. ********** Published: October 4, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 25