WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government says approximately XCG 35 million has been invested over the past five years in renovating and improving sports facilities across the island, covering 28 locations in more than 15 neighborhoods.
According to the Pisas III Cabinet, the investments are part of a broader strategy to improve access to sports and provide young people, athletes, clubs and community organizations with better facilities closer to where they live.
The projects cover football and baseball fields, tennis courts, gymnasiums, a swimming pool and other sports facilities. Among the locations that have received improvements are the Ergilio Hato Stadium, Enith Brigitha swimming pool, Cirilo Chirino Ballpark, Frank Curiel Ballpark, Montab Ballpark, Soto Arena, SUBT, Victory Boys, CRKSV Jong Colombia and facilities in Montaña, Brievengat, Santa Rosa, Saliña, Barber, Koraal Specht and other neighborhoods.
Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas said the government wants to draw greater attention to tangible investments taking place within communities.
“Every field, court or facility that we renovate represents an opportunity for our youth, an incentive for our athletes and an improvement for our community,” Pisas said.
The government says thousands of young people now have access to improved sports facilities as a result of the investments. The XCG 35 million figure does not include government funding used to help teams and individual athletes travel abroad to represent Curaçao in international competitions.
The investments come during a period of major international sporting achievements for Curaçao. The government pointed to the national football team's historic first qualification for the FIFA World Cup, Andruw Jones' election to the Baseball Hall of Fame, and the international performances of Curaçao's Little League and Senior League teams.
Acting Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Charetti America said sports infrastructure has deliberately been placed high on the government's agenda.
According to America, sports facilities are not simply fields, courts or buildings, but places where young people develop discipline, teamwork and self-confidence.
The government says investment will continue, with additional projects planned for sports facilities throughout Curaçao.