The Aruba Dolphins Open Water 2026 brought together 127 participants on Sunday, September 27, at Commandeurs Bay, Savaneta, for a morning of competition, unity, and inclusion. Families, friends, and supporters gathered to cheer on the swimmers and contribute to an enthusiastic atmosphere.
Organized by the Aruba Dolphins Swimming & Waterpolo Club, the event featured distances of 1, 3, and 5 kilometers, as well as a 1.5-kilometer relay with three-swimmer teams. Alongside local swimmers, visitors from the United States and the Netherlands also took part, giving the event an international touch.
Participants of all ages and skill levels entered the water with their own goals: whether competing for a podium finish, improving their personal records, or completing the distance. Support from the shore encouraged them throughout the challenge, making every arrival at the finish line a special moment.
Inclusion also took center stage. One swimmer participated while pulling a kayak carrying a special-needs athlete on board so they could take part in the race together. Their motto, “Helping individuals with disabilities achieve their goals in the sports world,” was truly realized that morning. This participation highlighted how support and cooperation can create broader opportunities in sports.
Overall Winners:
- In the 1-kilometer race, Xylan Anthony claimed the overall male victory with a time of 15:14.0, while Eva Kock won the female classification with 15:17.1.
- In the 3-kilometer race, Zayron Werleman secured the male classification with 41:19.2, and Ginayla Arends captured the overall female victory with 47:56.5.
- In the 5-kilometer race, Matthew Gobert finished as the overall male winner with 1:10:14.9, while Chloë-Nicole Dirksz won the female classification with 1:19:52.4.
Aruba Dolphins congratulates the winners and all participants for their dedication and perseverance.
A shared effort: The event also functioned as a fundraiser to support the club and the development of its athletes. Aruba Dolphins extends its gratitude to Casa Haime, Compra N.V., EMS Aruba, JR Printlab, Kiwanis Builders Club MPC, Meteoro, Prikibos, Printshop, Solid Solutions & General Contractor, and Tropical for their contributions, Minister Gerlien Croes for her support, and 297 Sport for media coverage.
A special thanks goes to Roly and Winnie Bisslik, Hedy Slikker-Bisslik, the Bisslik family, the Schwengle family, Oma Greta, Oma Nina, Shanella Garido, Jenny van den Hengel, and all the families who contributed space, supplies, food, and time. The club also acknowledges Meet Director Louella Maduro and her team, the official referees, the kayak safety crew, volunteers, and parents for their unwavering dedication.
Aruba Dolphins looks back with pride on an event that combined athletic achievement with participation and community solidarity. Thank you to everyone who made Open Water 2026 possible and who continues to support the future of swimming in Aruba.
