Over the weekend, Addonsito Croes had the honor of hosting the opening ceremony of the Aruba Sport Union (ASU) 2026 Olympics.
The Girl Scouts Guild (Padvinsters Gilde) initiated the official proceedings with the hoisting of the national flag, followed by a performance of the national anthem, Aruba Dushi Tera, by guest artist Raenne Ras.
The Gilberto François “Betico” Croes Sports Center in Santa Cruz hosted an official stage production titled “Heart of a Champion” (Curason di Campeon), directed by John Freddy Montoya. The performance featured various dance and cultural ensembles, including the Gihae Gymnastics Club, Gucci Dancers Aruba, Kids and Youth in Action, Fundacion Rosea Cultural, Grupo Cultural Dabaruida, and the Folklore Queens of the Chico Harms Foundation.
Musical entertainment was provided by DJ Shark Master, with official representation from 27 national sports federations. The ceremony concluded with the entrance of the torch, presented by the Aruba Badminton Federation, followed by the reading of the athlete’s creed by Ettel Boyce.
Inspirational addresses were delivered to the assembled athletes by Soraida Boekhoudt, President of the ASU, and Her Excellency Gerlien Croes, Minister of Sports.
The event also marked the official unveiling of the new ASU mascot, ARI—a brown-throated parakeet (prikichi) characterized as energetic, optimistic, playful, loyal, and highly social.
The ceremony concluded on the ASU field with an equestrian demonstration by the Aruban Equestrian Organization, showcasing various disciplines of the Paso Fino horse sport.
