SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT — A Little League team from Venezuela is getting its visas to enter the United States to play in the Little League World Series.

According to an article by PennLive.com, Little League International said Friday it had been notified by the State Department that players, manager and coaches on the Cardenales league team from Barquisimeto, which won the Latin America Region championship, had received their visas.

Venezuela will play Puerto Rico at 1 p.m. on Aug. 13 in the opening game of the World Series in South Williamsport. It is the second straight year a team from the Cardenales league has made it to the series, John Beauge of PennLive.com reported.

“The seven Little League World Series tournaments, a role model of diplomacy for decades, are where kids from all different cultures connect on the fields and build lasting friendships and bonds,” a statement from Little League International said.

The statement expressed gratitude for all those who supported the Venezuela players throughout the process including the State Department.

There were concerns about visa status after the Venezuelan team in Little League’s senior division was denied visas. According to PennLive.com, regional runner up Mexico is playing in that series in Easley, South Carolina.

Visas were granted for the team from Valencia that is playing an intermediate World Series in Livermore, California. Valencia, PennLive.com said, has won all three of its games and is the only undefeated team in the international bracket.