The Stingray Swimming Team successfully hosted the 17th edition of the Stingray Challenge on May 3 and 4, 2025, showcasing outstanding athletic performances, international camaraderie, and an exciting debut of open water racing.
Pool Competition
The weekend kicked off on Saturday, May 3, with a full day of pool competition divided into a morning and afternoon session. Athletes competed in a variety of mostly sprint events, all striving to win individual medals in their respective age categories and the coveted overall age group trophies. The sessions were marked by remarkable performances and a strong display of sportsmanship.
Adding to the excitement, we welcomed international participation from Typhoon and Swim Club Orca from Curaçao, raising the level of competition and enriching the event’s spirit of regional unity.
Overall Age Group High Point Trophy Winners:
Male 6 & under 1st place: Victor Helder Aruba Dolphins
Female 7 – 8 1st place: Alexiah Palm Aruba Dolphins
2nd place: Amber Bonnevalle Aruba Dolphins
3rd place: Kaely Geerman Sportsz4U
Male 7-8 1st place: Duncan Ponson Stingray Swimming
2nd place: Damian Peterson Aruba Dolphins
3rd place: Romar Arendsz Aruba Dolphins
Female 9 – 10 1st place: Richmyra Hoen Stingray Swimming
2nd place: Iva Werleman Stingray Swimming
3rd place: Dara Reyes Aruba Dolphins
Male 9 – 10 1st place: Lucas Bonnevalle Aruba Dolphins
2nd place: Zjurick Koeiman Typhoon Swim Club
3rd place: Thiago Geerman Stingray Swimming
Female 11- 12 1st place: Jayla Stuut Aruba Dolphins
2nd place: Vitali Inocencia Stingray Swimming
3rd place: Emma Ponson Stingray Swimming
Male 11- 12 1st place: Leandro Santiesteban Stingray Swimming
2nd place: Enzo Croes Aruba Dolphins
Shine van Loon Stingray Swimming
Female 13- 14 1st place: Eva Kock Aruba Dolphins
2nd place: Zivah Croes Aruba Dolphins
3rd place: D-Leylah Gerrel Stingray Swimming
Male 13- 14 1st place: Jaythan Winterdal Aruba Dolphins
2nd place: Enrique van den Hengel Stingray Swimming
3rd place: Anderson Hart Statius Orca Swim Club Curacao
Female 15- 17 1st place: Liv Farro Aruba Dolphins
2nd place: Xia Rodriguez Aruba Dolphins
3rd place: Gabriella Hermans Giants Aquatics
Male 15- 17 1st place: Ocean van Loon Stingray Swimming
2nd place: Xylan Anthony Aruba Dolphins
3rd place: Jayrick Winterdal Aruba Dolphins
Female 18- 24 1st place: Canila De Cuba Stingray Swimming
Male 18- 24 1st place: Arvid Farro Aruba Dolphins
Gavin Kock Aruba Dolphins
3rd place: Landon Laaf Stingray Swimming
Female 25- 40 1st place: Roselynn Kelly Stingray Swimming
Valerie Eman Stingray Swimming
Cindy Maduro Stingray Swimming
Male 25- 40 1st place: Paolo Inocencia Stingray Swimming
Open Water Competition
The action continued early on Sunday, May 4, with the first-ever Open Water edition of the Stingray Challenge at Mangel Halto. A total of 76 swimmers participated, spread across three challenging distances:
1KM – 42 swimmers
3KM – 30 swimmers
5KM – 4 swimmers
While the Caribbean Sea offered its signature shades of turquoise, swimmers faced tough ocean conditions that tested their endurance and determination. Still, spirits were high, and every participant pushed their limits to reach the finish.
Overall Winners per Distance:
1KM – Overall Female Winner: Alyssa Ras Giants Aquatics
Overall Male Winner: Leandro Santiesteban Stingray Swimming
3KM – Overall Female Winner: Emma Gobert Sportsz4U
Overall Male Winner: Jayrick Winterdal Aruba Dolphins
5KM – Overall Male Winner: Ocean van Loon Stingray Swimming
Winners per Age Group:
1KM
Female 11- 12 1st place: Vitali Inocencia Stingray Swimming
2nd place: Sofia Rikken Giants Aquatics 3rd place: Richmyra Hoen Stingray Swimming
Male 11- 12 1st place: Zjurick Koeiman Typhoon Club
2nd place: Lucas Bonnevalle Aruba Dolphins
3rd place: Bartolomeo Hese Stingray Swimming
Female 13- 15 1st place: Alyssa Ras Giants Aquatics
2nd place: Zivah Croes Aruba Dolphins
3rd place: D-Leylah Gerrel Stingray Swimming
Male 13- 15 1st place: Leandro Santiesteban Stingray Swimming
2nd place: Lincoln Jones Aruba Dolphins
3rd place: Shine van Loon Stingray Swimming
Female 16+ 1st place: Jennifer Nicolaas Aruba Dolphins
Male 16+ 1st place: Yeshua Maduro Stingray Swimming
2nd place: Kane van Heusden Giants Aquatics
3rd place: Xendrick de Man Stingray Swimming
3KM
Female 13-15 1st place: Emma Gobert Sportsz4U
2nd place: Zoe Engelhart Giants Aquatics
3rd placeL ChloeNicole Nicolaas Aruba Dolphins
Male 13-15 1st place: Jaythan Winterdal Aruba Dolphins
2nd place: Xyon Jacobs Sportsz4U
3rd place: Anderson Hart Statius Orca Swim Club Curacao
Male 16-18 1st place: Jayrick Winterdal Aruba Dolphins
2nd place: Matthew Gobert Sportsz4U
3rd place: Dylan Giel Sportsz4U
Female 19+ 1st place: Carla Kok Giants Aquatics
2nd place: Amanda Maduro Barracudas
3rd place: Ruth Bonnevalle Aruba Dolphins
Male 19+ 1st place: John Oduber Giants Aquatics
2nd place: Daan Kaetlaar Aruba Dolphins
3rd place: Paolo Inocencia Stingray Swimming
5KM
Male 14-15 1st place: Ethan Cunha Aruba Dolphins
Male 16-18 1st place: Ocean van Loon Stingray Swimming
Male 19+ 1st place: Deaxo Croes Aruba Dolphins
The Stingray Challenge XVII was not only a celebration of swimming excellence but also a testament to community and collaboration. We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated officials and volunteers, whose tireless efforts made the event possible, as well as to the parents, supporters, sponsors; Lieverd Lees Café – Bon Bini Cargo – All 2 Rental Equipment & More – Royal Aruba Aloë – Superfood – Lotto pa Deporte – Eagle Resort Aruba – Swift Distribution – H Services N.V. – Compra – Fruteria Virgillio – Astec – El Tumi Multiservices – Grant Thornton, and all fans who brought energy and encouragement throughout the weekend.
