WILLEMSTAD – Governor of Curaçao, His Excellency Mauritsz de Kort, received Professor Dr. Ir. Valdemar Marcha on Thursday, July 9, for a courtesy visit at the Governor's Palace. Prof. Marcha was accompanied by his daughter, Dr. Vanessa Marcha.
During the meeting, the conversation focused on the history of organized football in Curaçao and the important role Christian missionaries played in its development. Prof. Marcha explained how religion, education and sports were closely interconnected in the island's past and together made a significant contribution to Curaçao's social development.
To mark the occasion, Prof. Marcha presented the governor with copies of two of his publications: 100 Aña di Futbòl Organisá na Kòrsou (100 Years of Organized Football in Curaçao) and Gods Wijngaard in de West: over het missiewerk in de Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba (God's Vineyard in the West: Missionary Work in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba).
The visit took place while Curaçao continues to celebrate the historic achievements of its national football team, The Blue Wave, during the FIFA World Cup. Against that backdrop, the discussion also explored the significance of football in Curaçaoan society.
The governor and Prof. Marcha reflected on the unifying power of sports and the positive impact that the national team's success has had on the community, particularly in inspiring younger generations.
In addition to discussing history, the meeting also took on a philosophical dimension. Prof. Marcha shared several life lessons, emphasizing the importance of serving others and making a positive contribution to society.
According to the Governor's Office, the visit provided not only an opportunity to reflect on the historical relationship between football, religion and education in Curaçao, but also served as an inspiring exchange of ideas on civic engagement, community spirit and personal values.
A photograph released by the Governor's Office shows Prof. Valdemar Marcha, Governor Mauritsz de Kort and Dr. Vanessa Marcha during the visit.