This year’s “Sports Night” in the Wisconsin Dells saw visa sponsors, Host Employers, Work and Travel participants, the local Dells community, and even the US Department of State all come together for an evening of fun. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Wisconsin Dells Area Community Support Group as well as representatives from Alliance Abroad Group, Intrax, Greenheart, and Spirit Cultural Exchange, this winter event was a great success. After all, there’s no better way to beat the cold than by a little physical activity.
While winter in the Wisconsin Dells is far from short on fun things to do, a specially planned activity just for Work and Travel participants makes a huge impact on their overall experience. This year’s “Sports Night” gave participants a chance to get active on a cold day and make new friends. Two Spirit staff also attended the event, which was held at Justagame Fieldhouse in downtown Wisconsin Dells.
“Sports Night” Highlights!
It was great to see our Winter Work and Travel participants brave the cold and have some fun. The turnout was high: over 130 Work and Travel participants across all sponsors! The sponsors all pitched in to work the signup table, hand out raffle tickets, serve pizza, take photos, and clean up.
It also gave us a chance to talk with our participants face-to-face, and we received some great questions throughout the evening:
- What are some unique things to do in Wisconsin Dells?
- What is the best photo opportunity in Chicago?
- What can I do to help stay warm?
- Can I get a second job if I don’t have my Social Security card yet?
- What bank do you recommend for Work and Travel participants?
It was easy to see that participants appreciated the chance to talk to their sponsors in person.
Aside from the free pizza, participants also got to enjoy a massive open gym with access to basketball and volleyball stations. Three lucky participants even went home with a $25 Walmart gift card!
The US Department of State Joins In
The US Department of State has shown a strong commitment to the Work and Travel community in the Wisconsin Dells as well. Mark Hilbert stopped by to see the event and take a group photo (with all 130 participants, sponsors, and volunteers!).
Mark recalled meeting with Spirit’s participants at the Wisconsin State Capitol over the summer, and it was wonderful of him to reaffirm his support for Wisconsin’s Exchange Visitor community by coming to our “Sports Night” event.
Want to know what Work and Travel events are happening in your community?
Check the US Department of State’s Community Support Group directory for a group near you. You can always email Spirit at support@spiritexchange.com for help. Joining your local Community Support Group is a great way to make new friends and try out some new activities. Thank you to the Wisconsin Dells Area Community Support Group for making “Sports Night” a success!