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TEAM AIST Softball: Dominican Republic HS Challenge 2012

Congratulations on being selected to TEAM AIST Softball: Dominican Republic HS Challenge 2012. This is an honor given to you because of your success in Softball. You have been chosen among a select group of players across the nation to represent the USA in international competition. Teams from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Venezuela and others have been invited to this annual tournament challenge.

American International Sports Teams would like to invite you to be a USA representative in the Dominican Republic for an International Softball tournament. AIST will be putting together a select team from the USA to compete in this event which will tentatively take place from July 30 – August 5, 2012. This opportunity will be a highly competitive tournament with the opportunity to experience Softball in the Dominican Republic. We have selected an elite group of players across the nation for this opportunity. If you have received this invitation, we believe you would be a great asset to our team and would like to have you join us if you are able. Positions are limited, to claim your spot on the roster you will need to confirm your position is still available.

We will be competing against teams from the Dominican Republic and possibly other countries as well. Our select team of 14-16 quality players will come from all over the USA. We will play 5-7 games in a 7 day tour. This is a unique opportunity will give you the chance to see another country and experience their culture first hand. Combining sports with international travel is an educational experience of a lifetime. These events are life changing events of which you will talk about for the rest of your life!

TEAM AIST Softball: DR Challenge 2012 will be made up of an elite group of High School players that AIST and our coaches have selected to represent the USA. The Co-Head Coaches for the Team AIST Stars will be Jennifer Kamph and Stephanie Haller. Click here to see Coach Kamph’s Coaching Profile.  Click here to Coach Haller’s Coaching Profile. AIST Team Stripes will be Coached by Scott McIntosh. Click here to see Coach McIntosh’s Coaching Profile.  You have been chosen amongst players who have earned All-American, All-Region or All-Conference honors. The roster will consist of 14-16 AIST selected players. If you would like to accept this invitation to play for TEAM AIST Softball please contact us by email to confirm your spot on the team or receive more details about the tour. Be sure to include your name, sport, playing position, name of team (DR Challenge HS Softball) and the school you currently play for so we can get you the correct information. You will have 2 weeks from the day you received this to contact AIST or your invitation will expire.

Contact AIST to confirm your position is still available before depositing and make sure to provide your school, name and playing position. Once we confirm your position you can accept the invitation at the bottom of this page. Then you will need to pay deposit of $500 within 10 days. We can only guarantee a place on the roster for you once we have received your deposit. The deposit of $500 is non-refundable. If you register within 5 months of departure, the amount due is $1000 and non-refundable.

Here are some of the amazing Benefits of playing for TEAM AIST

• Memories that will last a lifetime! - Once you experience this once in a lifetime opportunity to play for TEAM AIST, the pictures you will collect from the trip will not be as vivid as the memories that you will cherish forever.
• The honor to represent the USA! – You have been selected as a respected athlete, to represent the greatest country in the world in international competition.
• The opportunity to win an International Championship! – Those AIST Championship teams who have come home victorious have said that winning an international competition is one of the greatest moments of their lives so far.
• The chance to play with the some of the world’s best! – The teams that you will be competing against are some of the best players from their country. Some of these teams are the National teams who represent their country in all major international competition.
• Friendships that will last a lifetime! – The TEAM AIST players from the first year of competition have said they are still very close friends with their teammates even today!
• A highlight on your resume that you played for a select USA team! – You will always be able to list your selection to TEAM AIST as a major milestone in your life on your resume to show off your good success.
• The chance to experience a foreign culture with local people! –You are more than just a tourist with TEAM AIST. You have the opportunity to experience a new culture from within the local community.
• The opportunity to play with other Americans! – You will not only be competiting with the best players in the world but you will be playing with some of the best players from your league and even the entire country.
• The chance to make the papers both in the USA and abroad! – It is really cool to read about yourself in your local paper or college newsletter but to read about yourself in a foreign language in another country is awesome!
• The chance to get noticed by an international scout! – Some TEAM AIST players have received professional contracts to play abroad after traveling with TEAM AIST.
• The opportunity to develop friendships in other countries! – You will have the chance to not only meet people from other countries but you will also have the chance to build relationships with them which could last a lifetime.
• A priceless experience that you may never have offered to you again! – You have been selected among an elite group of players. AIST sends out a very limited amount of invitations per year to put together the best teams in the country to represent the USA. You have one of those invitations which means you are in a very small percentage of college athletes. The chance that you will be offered this opportunity is more than likely just as small or smaller.

Live AIST Testimonials

Team AIST Video testimonials

Coaches Testimonials

“I really enjoyed meeting both of you this summer. I think the trip to Italy was awesome. We stayed in really nice hotels, and our guide Sara Bello, was outstanding. Gary you were very professional and in control of the group. I enjoyed myself and really had a good time with the girls. I have worked with three sports tour groups and you definitely run the best tours. I would be very interested in doing another tour with you in the future.”

Enza Steele – AIST Italy Field Hockey tour 2011 – Lynchburg College Field Hockey Head Coach

“I have been extremely impressed with the American International Sports Teams organization and the dedication Chad and Gary have for each and every player they take on tour. I have been on over ten tours with AIST and I am confident that each and every player, as well as the coaches and parents who travel with AIST will have a wonderful experience!”

Frank Sims – Head Baseball Coach Spring Hill College

“Coaching and playing for AIST is an opportunity of a lifetime. I have coached basketball on three different tours, which included various other sporting teams. Everyone involved had an amazing time. The site seeing is fabulous, the competition is great, and the chance for a professional contract is an option.”

Deena Apelbury – Head Coach University of Mary Washington Women’s Basketball

“We keep talking about what another great trip it was! My favorite part is seeing girls from rival teams really get to know each other and play together as a whole. It’s really neat to see them break down the competition wall and see what great people their competitors really are. Again, the mix of free time for exploring other cultures and countries along with lacrosse just can’t be beat. It’s just awesome to mix the experience of seeing such neat places with the love of a sport.”

Jamie Reynolds – Head Coach Marymount University Women’s Lacrosse

“AIST took our John Hopkins Women’s Lacrosse team to Italy in the summer of 2010 and it was the trip of a lifetime. It was incredibily organized, educational, well-balanced and fun. Our guides had our best interests at heart and went out of their way to make sure we had a first-class experience. Our team can’t wait to travel with AIST again!”

Janine Tucker – Head Coach John Hopkins University Women’s Lacrosse

“What a great opportunity for individuals to grow and experience the world. AIST runs a perfect team with a good balance of competition, sightseeing and time to explore on your own. I enjoyed being apart of Team AIST as a coach for the past 6 years. I look forward to coach them in the future.”

David Williams – Head Softball Coach California State University San Marcos

The 3 Most Common Questions about TEAM AIST

1. How did I get selected to be a part of an AIST Team? – AIST takes great pride in selecting the top quality athlete. We search the country for players at all levels of College for our collegiate teams as well as Sophomores – Seniors at the High school levels. Our goal is to fill the most competitive team possible and represent the USA with a top team of athletes for each tour or tournament we enter. It’s possible you were selected based on our stats from a previous season, a coach’s recommendation, by your performance at an AIST try-out or a college showcase. AIST does not mass mail invitations just to fill positions, we work very hard to make sure we are getting good athletes to represent the USA the best that we can. This is why it is a compliment to you for receiving the invitation. Most of our players will be honored as All-conference level players or better.
2. How many people on the team and will I get to play if I decide to go? – AIST keeps the rosters small so that everyone will get to play. We will give each athlete the opportunity to showcase their talents throughout the tour. On tours where we only have exhibition games, all players will have an equal amount of playing time. If we are playing in a tournament, there may be circumstances where the best play in order for us to win the championship, but everyone will have the opportunity to earn those positions throughout the tour.
3. What other costs should I be aware of?- At AIST we try to make sure everyone knows what they will spend on tour. Our packages are all inclusive with the exception of the following:

Connecting Airfare – This is if you need a flight to get to our gateway city for departure
Some Meals – We usually included breakfast every day and 2-5 dinners depending on the tour
Additional Sightseeing – There may be some fees for entrances to sightseeing options
Tip Money – It’s important to bring tip money for our bus drivers and tour guides (About $4 per day on most tours)
We recommend bringing an additional $35-45 per day to cover additional expenses on most tours.

TEAM AIST Softball

To learn more about TEAM AIST softball view the TEAM history page here. You can view past awards and honors along with past coaches and players. You can also view the TEAM AIST videos at the bottom of the page.

Tour Information

• Travel Dates: July 30 – August 5, 2012
• Flights/Transportation/Sightseeing/Accommodations and more Cost: $2465.00 from Miami or Atlanta: TBA
• 5 – 7 Games and tournament competition

Tour Inclusions

• DR Challenge entrance fees and arrangement of games
• Round trip airfare from Gateway city
• 3 or 4 star Hotel Accommodations
• All food and drinks included at the resort hotel
• Uniforms
• Tour package as listed on Itinerary (Note: Tours listed as optional not included in price)
• All Airport transfers and transportation to scheduled activities
• Full time bi-lingual tour guide
• Experienced Coaching Staff
• American International Sports Teams staff member to be with team throughout tour
• Amazing sightseeing excursions
• Authentic Cultural Experience
• Educational guided tours
• Free time to explore on your own
• Travel with the safety of your group
• Outstanding AIST service and commitment to your trip of a lifetime
• Teammates and friendships that you will remember forever

Not Included

• Connecting Airfare to meet group
• Tours listed as optional
• Tips for drivers and guides
• Everything not listed in inclusions
• Laundry

Cost of Tour from Gateway Airport

• Ground and Air package – $2465.00 Airfare included
• Ground Package only – $2065.00 – Airfare not included – You are responsible for meeting the group in Santo Domingo, DR

Sample Payment Schedule

• Deposit due – $500 – Non-refundable
• Feb 6, 2011 – $750
• March 25 – $500
• May 25 – All balances due

Other costs incurred will depend on each individual’s spending habits. Connecting airfare to gateway city, souvenirs, some meals and any personal expenses will not be covered by American International Sports Teams.

Sample Tour Itinerary

Day 1

• Depart USA for Santo Domingo with other team members and coaches.
• Arrive Santo Doming, Dominican Republic
• Transfer by Private Coach Bus to your Resort Hotel on the Beach
• Meeting at the Hotel to Brief you on the weeks activities

Day 2

• Buffet Breakfast
• Diamond Classic Challenge Begins
• Transfer to City to tour the “Three Eyes” and explore a this unique underground pools of crystal clear water
• Return to Resort hotel for free time on the beach

Day 3

• Tournament Continues
• Tour of Columbus Lighthouse
• Try one of the many beach activities at your resort hotel

Day 4

• Tournament Continues
• Possible Clinic for Under privilege kids in a nearby Poor Cummunity
• Guided tour of Santo Domingo

Day 5

• Finals of the Dominican Republic Diamond Classic Challenge
• Free time on the beach
• Trip to the Open Market to barter for cheap souvenirs

Day 6

• Enjoy your last day in this Dominican republic Paradise
• Try one of the beach activities near the hotel
• Farewell Dinner at the Resort Hotel

Day 7

• Transfer to Airport for your return to the USA

Terms and Conditions

Select this link to view the terms and conditions. You must agree to these terms and conditions before you can travel. Make sure to review the cancellation policy before your deposit.

Fundraising Ideas for TEAM AIST Players

AIST has partnered with a Wellness Company to support your fundraising efforts while also spreading wellness. This is a great opportunity to support those who are supporting you. To learn more about an effective fundraising program to help you raise the entire balance of your trip then visit the Wellness Fundraising Program at www.AthleticWellnessGuide.com

AIST has also partnered with Mysportsdreams.com to provide you with a great opportunity to help you raise the cost of the tour. With this opportunity you are guaranteed to make a profit and cut the cost of your tour down. It is possible to raise $1000 to $3000 with the help of this exclusive fundraising system from My Sports dreams. Click this link to get more details: www.mysportsdreams.com

Here are some other helpful hints that will help you to reach your financial goal to travel with AIST.

1. One of the easiest ways we have found for a player to raise money is with our fundraiser letter that you can download here.It’s best to make a list of as many friends, family, and businesses in your community and anyone else you can think of that would be willing to support you. Remember, with this list you are only trying to get small donations of $10-$20 per person. The bigger your list the better your response will be. We recommend putting a cover letter with it and including a stamped envelope with our address on it. This way you will make it convenient for them to make a donation. In your cover letter be sure to ask them to respond within two weeks so you can have a better idea of the response these letters will have for you. This process can be done in a few hours and be very helpful in helping to finance your trip. We will send you a statement once a month by email so you can see who has donated for you. It will also have their mailing addresses so you can send thank you letters if you would like.

1. Camps – My personal favorite is to have players hold camps for younger kids. We suggest asking the Athletic Director or Coach at your school if you can rent the sports facility to run a small camp. Advertise in the local paper and talk to as many local schools as you can. Charge the kids $30-$40 for a 2-3 hour camp. You can teach kids basic fundamentals. You can even do it for a weekend and charge $25 per day or however you want to set it up. Several of our players in the past have raised thousands of dollars by doing camps throughout the winter. Kids today will jump at the opportunity to work with college athletes. You can also ask local businesses to sponsor a tournament and provide T-shirts for your own personal camps.

1. Other Options people have used in the past:

a. Concerts – Have a local band sponsor you by playing at a party that you charge admission for. All proceeds go to you.

b. Bake Sale- A player in the past had several families in her church bake pies and then they auctioned them off at church.

c. Poker Tournaments – check your state for gaming rules on money tournaments.

d. Golf tournaments – Talk to a local golf club about running a tournament for you. Local sports stores sometimes donate gift cards or apparel for prizes. Charge $100 per person. Generally your profit will be 60%. Maximum for a golf tournament is 144 people (8 persons per hole). Possibility of raising over $8000.

e. 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament – Put together a tournament using your school’s gym as the facility.

1. Spaghetti Dinner – Check with a local restaurant or school cafeteria to see if they will sponsor a dinner for you.

g. Auction – Have local business donate gifts that you can sell at an auction.

Download Fundraising Letter

Family and Friends of TEAM AIST Players!

Attention: Friends and Family members of our AIST select team members

This information is to inform family and friends are welcome to join the tour with our select teams. You will have the same package as the athlete you are traveling with. You will be allowed to participate in all activities the athletes are entitled to except for the competition. Please be sure to read the terms and conditions and the cancellation policy posted online.

Keep in mind that our tours our catered to the athletes and we will schedule everything around the games and tournaments as needed. We encourage the support and will do our best to make it a very exciting trip for everyone involved. For our friend and family passengers we will generally include polo shirts or sweatshirts in place of the uniforms and upgrade the hotels when necessary.

Cost for Family and Friends

Cost for Friends and Family will be the same as the cost quoted to the player in the package. We can only guarantee this cost if we still have space available on the tour. If you require a single room there will be an additional charge (Approximately $500 depending on the tour). You will have the option to room with the person they are traveling with if you prefer. The players cost will not be reduced for additional travelers. If you need to make special travel arrangements please contact us.

If you have interest in joining our group please call 816.256.3828 or email us at info@aist.us to confirm we have availability. Then fill out the online registration at www.aist.us. Click on the registration link for friends and family and make the necessary deposits to secure your place on the tour. If you do not have access to the internet you can contact our office and we will enter the information for you.

Special arrangements can be made for you to meet the group if you do not want to stay for the entire trip. Feel free to contact AIST with any questions regarding the program.

We look forward to having you on tour!

Accept Invitation

First, contact us by email and provide us with your name, playing positions and school so we can confirm we still have room on the roster for you. After we confirm you positions is still available and you would like to join the team click the “Accept Invitation” button to begin the registration process. Congratulations your life is about to change forever! A deposit of $300 is due at the time of your registration in order to confirm your place on the tour.

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