Courtesy of: The Morning News
Aruba’s native son, Xander Bogaerts. has dominated local and U.S. sports headlines in the last few months. as one of the youngest and freshest rookies in history to be part of the post-season playoffs, only two months after coming up from the minors. When the Boston Red Sox won the 2013 World Series on October 30th, after being last place in 2012, they were the second Major League team to ever accomplish such a feat. Many sportswriters pointed to the enthusiastic young rookie from Aruba for sparking the team’s spirit and infusing the veteran players with his fresh face and attitude, as well as supreme poise under pressure.
Xander returned to Aruba shortly after, to a hero’s welcome. He has been enjoying time with family, but also considering how he can most positively deploy his new found fame for the betterment of Aruba and island youth.
On Tuesday afternoon, November 26, in the neighborhood center where he grew up, Centro di Bario Lago Heights, Xander and his mother, Sandra Brown, announced their foundation, Xander Bogaerts, Dare to Dream, is now active.
Xander’s mother has been a social worker on Aruba for some time. As a single mother raising two boys and a daughter, she is well aware of the financial impediments for some families in providing the best opportunities for their talented children.
Dare to Dream is mainly targeting island youth wishing to participate in Little League Baseball, but whose parents have not the financial means or transport to allow what may be a potential Major League player develop their talent. The foundation plans to finance equipment for those who are in need, as well as arranging transportation to the various ball fields where games are taking place, for those who are without.
Ms. Brown informed the media that Dare to Dream does not plan to limit their assistance only to youngsters interested in baseball. Youth who demonstrate talent for other sports or the arts, or need assistance with tutoring for school, but parents cannot afford the extra lessons, are also eligible for financial assistance from the foundation. “We urge parents to be the best parents you can be,” she stated, “see to your child’s talents and scholastic needs and please apply to the foundation for assistance.”
Families can apply for sports equipment, transport, or tutoring tuition by sending their information and details of what is required to XBdaretodream@gmail.com. A board will review and evaluate the requests. Social workers, school teachers, and in regards to sports financing, team coaches, will be consulted in the final decision regarding grants. The board of the Dare to Dream Foundation consists of Co-Presidents Sandra Brown and Xander Bogearts, Treasurer Caroline Broeksema, and members Jair Bogearts, Gerrit Martis, and Collins John.
Sponsoring Dare to Dream in their work are SETAR N.V., Aruba’s national telecommunications company and Balashi Malta, a natural, non-alcoholic energy beverage from Aruba’s national brewery. They will also sponsor events for public awareness, where island youth will have the opportunity to meet and interact with Xander Bogaerts. He will also participate in various fundraising actions for his foundation.
The first such event will take place on Sunday, December 8, beginning at 8:30 AM at the Lago Heights Community Center. On that day, the ball field adjacent will be re-christened the “Xander Bogaerts Ball Field.” Festivities will last throughout the morning, with various activities for all ages, along with booths offering snacks and beverages.
