Why costa rica?

Costa Rica is a magical place filled with beauty, natural wonder, and a truly remarkable culture. Native Costa Ricans, or ‘Ticos,’ call it Pura Vida. Similar to Hawaiian Aloha & Fijian Bula, Pura Vida (Pure Life) encapsulates the good life: friends, family, health, joy, and well-being. But did you know that research shows Costa Rica is consistently one of the happiest and healthiest places on earth?

In 2005, National Geographic demographic researchers identified five regions on earth, called BLUE ZONES,”with an exceptionally large population of centenarians (100+ years). Research showed that the unusually longer life spans enjoyed by these populations is attributed to five factors: strong family connections, local availability of a natural diet, constant moderate exercise, engagement in community spiritual life/sense of purpose, and temperate climate.

The cultures and populations of these Blue Zones are some of the happiest and healthiest people on earth!

1. Sardinia, Italy
2. Okinawa, Japan
3. Loma Linda, California
4. Icaria, Greece
5. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica (Playa Samara)

The HAPPY PLANET INDEX is the New Economics Foundation measure of human well-being & environmental impact. In research terms, human well-being is considered an average of life-satisfaction, life expectancy at birth, and ecological footprint per capita. In 2009, Costa Rica was the best scoring country of the 143 analyzed and continues to be at the top of the list.

Costa Rica is also the only country to meet all five United Nations Development Program criteria to measure environmental sustainability and identified as the “greenest” country in the world in 2009. In 2016, 98% of Costa Rica's electricity was generated from green sources and the country plans to be entirely carbon-neutral in a few years with it's current green-source electricity at 99%. Over 25% of the country is protected national forest and Costa Rica spends significantly more than the world average on education (97% literacy rate) and health care (longer life-expectancy than the U.S).

At the same time, there is great need both in resources and connection in the areas we serve. There are many places around the world we could seek to make an impact but we have taken the long view that investment in a single location adds up to a greater impact over time. Couple this with a long-standing friendship with the President of the Costa Rica Lacrosse Federation, Walter Rojas, and we are able to maximize both our service impact and growth of the game concurrently.

All this adds up to one of the most unique places on earth - the warmth of the people, the beauty of the land and sea, amazing food and culture have all contributed to life-changing experiences for our visiting Lacrosse players! ¡PURA VIDA!