2022 Aqua Inspirations
After months of planning, the International Game Fish Tournament Observers (IGFTO), Junior Achievement-Costa Rica, and Marina Pez Vela Youth Career Day, titled Aqua Inspiration, kicked off on Wednesday, June 1, 2022.
Twenty team members and volunteers met up Wednesday at Runway Grill for a walk-through of the sequence of events in the afternoon, followed by a tasty dinner hosted by the IGFTO.
On Thursday, IGFTO personnel and the Junior Achievement-Costa Rica team met all student and school administrative participants at Liceo de Londres School. All participants were presented with event shirts labeled Aqua Inspiration, followed by comprehensive training by Junior Achievement-Costa Rica on critical career-building skills such as team building, communication and self-presentation, and leadership.
Aqua Inspiration Schedule of Events
On Friday morning, June 3, seventy-two junior and senior students arrived at Marina Pez Vela for a day of career opportunity exposure associated with Marina operations, including boat yard repair and maintenance, Costa Rica Coast Guard, FECOP and Marine Conservation and biology, sport fishing including Captain and mate opportunities, fishing techniques, and environmental stewardship opportunities.
Accompanied by chaperones, the students were divided into small groups and rotated through stations every 20-25 minutes. Each station was staffed with experts in the respective fields. The day concluded with a delicious lunch for the kids and a raffle of donated prizes.
Overall, the event was a resounding success. The success was evident in the enthusiasm and participation of the students. Many stations also reported incredible attentiveness and questions asked by the highschoolers.
Volunteers, Sponsors, and Donors—Aqua Inspiration
Team Galati is a proud sponsor of the Youth Career Day, Aqua Inspiration. We are grateful for Team OHANA—2021 68 Viking— and our team members, including Capt. John Lagrone who were willing to donate time and essentials for the event while also providing these youths with an unforgettable experience!
Huge thanks to all volunteers, sponsors, and donors: Marina Pez Vela, Junior Achievement-Costa Rica, Quepos Tackle Shop, Marine Conservation, FECOP, Coast Guards, Carmine Galati and Galati Yacht Sales, Greg Angel and Sea Angel fishing team, Team Ohana, Frank Mejias and IGFA, Adios Sportfishing, Crocodillo Sportfishing, Kelly Dawn fishing team, Runway Grill and all the staff at Colegio Londres school.
The goal for programs and events such as Aqua Inspiration is to stir a passion in the next generation and help guide them in a positive direction. These events can help make a difference and offer kids a promising path in life and future careers.
About the IGFTO—Aqua Inspiration Organizers
The IGFTO is a charitable tax-exempt organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of game fish worldwide. They provide trained and insured observers to authenticate the “Catch & Release” of billfish and game fish during international big game fishing tournaments. In the IGFTO’s eleven-year history, observers witnessed releases of over 54,587 Billfish. Learn how you can make a difference. igfto.org/supporters/become-a-supporter.
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