WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Special Olympics Team is thrilled to announce their departure to the highly anticipated Special Olympics World Games, set to take place in Berlin from the 17th to the 25th of June.
With immense pride and determination, the team is gearing up to compete in four exhilarating sports: bowling, bocce, swimming, and powerlifting. This international event will bring together special athletes from around the globe, promoting inclusivity, sportsmanship, and the celebration of abilities.
The World Games, renowned as the pinnacle of sporting excellence for individuals with intellectual disabilities, will be a momentous occasion for the Curaçao Special Olympics Team. The team has dedicated countless hours to training, honing their skills, and preparing both physically and mentally to demonstrate their remarkable talents on the global stage.
The Curaçao delegation consists of eighteen persons and led by Willy Harms as the head of delegation, the assistant head of delegation Enrico Viscaïno, and the medical staff member Anchel de Palm.
There are seven (7) athletes Elisa Harmsen, Rodeangello Willems, Shuvensley Brandao, Ryanella Mathilda, Renata Pestana, Victor Brown and Jiven Naaldijk, four (4) unified partners Patricia de Sousa, Julissa Perez, Dencill Estanista, and Tito Fernandes, four coaches Quincy Martina, Dicla van der Veen, Suzette Everts and Rolando Rodrigues.
In bowling, the team of two special athletes Renata Pestana & Victor Brown and their unified partners Patricia de Sousa & Tito Fernandes will be unleashing their expertise on the lanes, showcasing their precision, technique, and strategic prowess. They have displayed exceptional teamwork, unwavering focus, and an unwavering passion for the sport, ensuring a memorable performance. The Team Coach Roland Rodrigues will be there to cheer them on and offer support behind the scenes.
Equally exciting, the Curaçao Special Olympics Team will engage in the captivating sport of bocce under the guidance of coach Dicla van der Veen. Here as well two special athletes Ryanella Mathilda & Victor Brown and their unified partners Dencill Estanista & Julissa Perez will be combining strategy, precision, and composure, to deliver captivating matches, filled with suspense and the pure joy of competition.
Taking their talents to the water, the team's swimmers Elisa Harmsen & Rodëangelo Willems have exhibited extraordinary dedication and perseverance throughout their training. They have mastered various swimming strokes, built their endurance, and are poised to deliver remarkable performances, embodying the spirit of athleticism and the power of determination with coach Suzette Evers there for moral support.
Lastly, the Curaçao Special Olympics Team is embracing the exhilarating world of powerlifting. Demonstrating extraordinary strength, the athlete Jiven Naaldijk has devoted himself to building his physical prowess and refining his lifting techniques. His displays of power and resilience are sure to captivate audiences and inspire spectators worldwide under guidance of his coach Quincy Martina.
The departure of the Curaçao Special Olympics Team to the Special Olympics World Games Berlin marks a significant milestone in their athletic journeys. It is a testament to their hard work, commitment, and unwavering spirit, as well as the relentless support from their families, coaches, and the community.
The Curaçao Special Olympics Team would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to their sponsors Digicel, MCB & FDDK, who have played a crucial role in making their participation in the World Games in Berlin a reality. Their generosity and support have enabled these exceptional athletes to chase their dreams and showcase their abilities to the world.
The Curaçao Special Olympics Team is filled with hope, excitement, and determination as they embark on this extraordinary journey. Their participation in the World Games in Berlin serves as a reminder that every person, regardless of ability, has the power to achieve greatness and inspire others.