Courtesy of: The Morning News
On Friday, October 26, the 13th edition of the National Games of the Aruba Special Olympics commenced at the Guillermo Trinidad Stadium in Oranjestad. The opening ceremonies were attended by island dignitaries, including the President of Parliament, Paul Croes and Remco van der Veldt. GM of the Aruba branch of the event’s official sponsors, Digicel Mobile Technology.
The parade of athletes from Team Dunuman, Emma School, Paso Pa Futuro, Man Na Obra, and Cas Sjabururi totaled over 220 participates in this year’s National Games. The program is part of the qualifying process for the next Special Olympics World Games, which will take place in Los Angeles, California in July-August of 2015.
Following the introducing of the athletes was the ritual lighting of the Olympic Flame. The torch was carried by four runners to eventually be passed to Eldritch Feliciana, who had the honor of lighting the flame.
President of the Aruba Special Olympics Committee, Arturo Werleman, officially welcomed fans and dignitaries. The opening ceremony also included honoring individuals who have contributed greatly to the continuation of the games. This year’s honorees were Joe Najar, GM of the La Cabana Beach Resort, along with La Cabana Executive Jessica Franken and Nildo Echobardo.
Volunteers Candida and Alwin Mackintosh along with Maria Andrade were presented with plaques, and Rosa Kock accepted for Andina Ice, for their staunch support of Aruba Special Olympics.
Following a show by Kids in Action, the evening ended with the first event, a soccer match and track and field contests; the soccer competitions continued the next morning. Activities and events were conducted throughout the weekend.
They included a swim meet at the San Nicolas community pool, badminton at the SVGA gymnasium in Piedra Plat, bowling at Eagle Bowling Palace and finished with Bocce Ball on the SVGA gymnasium green, followed by the closing and awards ceremonies.
To be part of the delegation representing Aruba at the 2015 World Games, special athletes must qualify by winning medals in their national games, and often participating in regional events. Aruba’s Special Olympic Committee has often welcomed competitors from St. Maarten, Bonaire, Curacao, and even Ireland, to participate in the games, or sent their best athletes to contests in Jamaica and other islands.
Each year, the number of participating athletes has grown, and after sending delegations to three World Games in London, Shanghai and Greece, Aruba’s special athletes have always returned with gold, silver and bronze medals. This year’s National Games have focused on the sports disciplines in which they expect the Aruba delegation to compete in 2015.
