This past Wednesday, the Aruban Olympic Committee (COA) welcomed a special visit from a delegation representing World Aquatics, the international federation that governs aquatic sports such as swimming, open water swimming, artistic swimming, water polo, and diving.
The World Aquatics delegation included president Husain Al-Musallam; director Brent Nowick; treasurer Dale Neuburger; Olympic athlete and member of the World Aquatics Athletes Committee Dylan Carter; aquatic sports coaching advisor James Gibson; and Maureen Croes, vice president of World Aquatics and president of PanAm Aquatics.
The visit began with a tour of the Aruban Olympic Committee’s facilities, where the delegation was introduced to the different components that make it the hub of Olympic sports in Aruba. The tour was followed by an informative and engaging meeting held at the ATIA conference room. There, members of the Aruba Aquatics Federation joined the delegation to discuss the current state of aquatic sports on the island and the achievements Aruba has made in recent Olympic cycles.
The conversation highlighted both recreational and competitive development in aquatic disciplines over recent years. The group also addressed areas of concern, identifying unique opportunities for growth within Aruba’s specific context. Despite the significant success of aquatic sports on the island and consistent international participation, a major challenge remains: Aruba currently has only one adequate swimming pool for training and competition.
The visit concluded with a social gathering at Zeerovers, where the delegation enjoyed local cuisine and shared in the community spirit that drives sports development in Aruba.
The Aruban Olympic Committee expressed its gratitude to President Al-Musallam and the World Aquatics delegation for their visit and was pleased to hear that the experience had been enjoyable. COA looks forward to continued collaboration and support for the future of aquatic sports on the island.
