In an important step to strengthen the sporting and educational ties within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba’s Minister of Kingdom Relations, Education, Youth, Innovation, and Sport, Mr. Gerlien Croes, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) together with her colleague Minister from Curaçao and the Bonaire Commissioner responsible for sports affairs.
The agreement formalizes the ongoing collaboration among the three islands in organizing the Interinsular School Sports Games, also known as the Weganan Interinsular — an annual event that brings together young athletes from Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao in an atmosphere of healthy competition, cultural exchange, and personal growth. It is an agreement to unite and grow together through sports.
The MoU follows the Letter of Intent (LOI) signed in 2022 and establishes a cooperation framework to ensure that the Weganan Interinsular will take place annually during the first quarter of each year.
The objectives of the event are to:
* Promote sporting and educational exchange among youth;
* Encourage health, well-being, and talent development;
* Strengthen cultural and social ties among the islands.
The games will be organized on a rotating basis between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
The host country will be responsible for the preparation and execution of the event, including logistics, accommodation, and safety.
To guarantee coordination and transparency, the MoU establishes a permanent interinsular commission, composed of representatives from:
* IBiSA (Aruba),
* FDDK (Curaçao),
* INDEBON (Bonaire).
This commission will serve as the main coordinating body responsible for supervision and evaluation of each edition of the games, with the presidency rotating annually among the three islands.
The MoU has an initial duration of four years (2025–2028) and will be evaluated annually after each edition of the games.
It also allows for the possibility of other countries or islands — such as St. Maarten, Saba, Statia, or Suriname — joining in the future, pending mutual approval by all parties.
Minister Gerlien Croes expressed her pride and commitment to continue strengthening cooperation within the Kingdom in the areas of sports and education:
“The Weganan Interinsular are more than just a competition. They are a meeting of cultures, unity, and inspiration for our young people. Through sports, we build respect, leadership, and pride for our islands.”
The agreement symbolizes a concrete step toward uniting the Caribbean sports community under a shared vision: sports as a tool for unity, health, and holistic development.
Press release: Government of Aruba