Pura Vida Sports School

Do you like sports? Do you want to grow in your relationship with God? Have you ever wondered how you can honor God through sports? Do you want to know the purpose for which you were created? You probably have many questions, and we can help you through the process of finding the answers. We are a school that believes God wants us to grow in all three areas of our being: body, soul, and spirit. God created us with these three aspects to function in balance. We have a physical body, our soul (emotions), and a spirit that longs for a connection with God. Our school is dedicated to helping everyone get in shape—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Who can participate?
It’s much more than just a school for athletes. People can also come from a more sedentary lifestyle with a desire to break free from inactivity and live a healthier, more fulfilling life. We’ve had students from Brazil, the United States, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, and Argentina. We have a team fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.

 

What's school like?

During this time, you will embark on a 5-month adventure, divided into two phases: the first is the theoretical phase, which lasts three months, and the second is the practical phase (cruise), which lasts two months.

-Estimated Time

The school’s main focus is for you to spend quality time with God! To set aside time to focus on Him, get to know Him deeply, and share Him with others. To learn to listen to His voice, discover the plans He has for you, and understand the purpose for which you are here. Through various classes, you’ll explore different topics to grow in intimacy and depth in your relationship with God. We also have times of intercession, prayer, worship, evangelism, and small group services.

 

The school offers a variety of sports and workshops
The classes (per week) are as follows

Functional Training - If you're interested in getting and staying fit as a lifestyle, you can enjoy workouts that will help you improve your performance and endurance with professional trainers.

Surfing - Everyone is welcome to learn to surf with our professional instructors. The waves in Pichilemu are world-class. That’s why expert surfers are also welcome. (The school provides all the equipment you need.)

Swimming - We have a heated semi-Olympic-size pool at Pura Vida. We offer sessions where you can learn to swim or improve your technique and breathing (apnea). You also have the opportunity to swim or train every day at our center.

Basketball - We have a basketball court in the gym, available for you to train and get a full-body workout while learning team strategies to reach your full potential.

Soccer—Our gym also has an indoor soccer field, and we play together outdoors as well. One of our outreach activities takes place at a small soccer school.

Volleyball—You'll get to experience the famous beaches of Pichilemu, since our classes are held on the sand and we provide all the necessary equipment.

Tennis – Our classes are held on a tennis court in the middle of the woods, so you can practice your serves without any worries.

Table tennis—We have tables where you can learn how to handle the paddle and master the techniques for playing with the ball.

-Practical Time (The Crusade)

Go and make disciples. People need to hear about Jesus.

In the second half of the course, we lead workshops on various sports for people from all walks of life and of all ages, as a way to share God’s love and His great mercy. We also assist with outreach efforts and support church-related activities. The specific location varies by school and is determined by the leaders and staff team after a time of prayer.


The EDE, registered as: Discipleship Training School DSP211 and Discipleship Training School Assignment DSP212, is a prerequisite for all other courses at the University of the Nations and for serving as staff with Youth With A Mission.

If you've made it this far, it's no coincidence. Give us a chance to get to know you. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are praying for you.

Directors

Marcela and Gary

dates

  • March 23, 2026

  • September 21, 2026

Costs

  • Registration: $60

  • Theory: $1,800 USD (Includes room and board)

  • Trip: $1,500–$2,500 USD (Includes airfare, lodging, and meals)

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