Aruba Wieler Bond looks back on successful week, after leaving a great impression at the Las Vegas Nationals. The Aruban delegation which consisted of Zyqion Soekander, Zaithyel Soekander and Aschwin Dabian did a great job and they are preparing for the World Championship that will take place in New Zealand.

Aruba's windsurfing champion is currently in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands defending her crown in the 2013 PWA Freestyle Windsurfing Cup. In the Women’s Double Elimination Sarah-Quita Offringa faced Arrianne Aukes in the winners’ final once more after having beaten Yoli de Brendt  in the preceding heat.

Recently the Wall Street Journal published an article about the 10th anniversary of the recognition of Papiamento as official language. In May 2003 Aruba declared Papiamento, next to Dutch, as its official language, after Papiamento has been the native tongue on Aruba for more than 300 years. More details and facts can be read in this article.

Starting today Aruba will be the host of the Junior Latin American Baseball League, this will be the first time in Aruba’s history. Last year Aruba won the Junior Latin American League games and consequently represented Latin American at the World Series. Aruba’s teams are positive and mentioned to do their utmost to win this year’s championships again.

From August 5 till August 10, Aruba’s Cas di Cultura will be hosting an International Festival of Dance with workshops and performances by Andraina and Leonid Kozlov, Christine Dakin and Tommie Waheed Evans. Workshops will be given daily and the festival will end with a gala performance on August 10.

Two years ago Kyra won the championship for synchronized swimming in the ’12 years and under’ category. Two years later -at the Central American and Caribbean Swimming Championships (CCCAN Championships) - she did it again and went home with two gold medals in the category 13-15 years old. The CCCAN Championships are a biennial aquatics sports championship for countries in Central America and the Caribbean. In additional to CCCAN members residents of Columbia, Surinam and Venezuela may also participate in these championships.

The fifteen year old BMX biker Zaitheyl Soekandar was recently added to the Wall of Fame in Paseo Herencia Shopping Mall. The Wall of Fame showcases young athletes who demonstrate their talent, determination and tenacity to attain a medal winning status in international sports competitions. Zaitheyl got a place on the wall next to windsurfer Sarah Quita Offringa, swimmers Jordy Groters, Jemal Le Grand, Daniella van den Berg, Allyson Ponson and synchronized swimmers Kyra Hoevertsz and Anouk Eman.

The Aruba Airport Authority would like to advise the general public that the construction activities at the arrival terminal and within the Non-US plaza area have started. Due to the constructions, certain airline ticket offices have been temporarily moved to the first floor next to the cashier’s office.

Recently Mrs. Lorraine Perry was honored celebrating her 50th consecutive visits to Aruba. The celebration took place at the Costa Linda Beach Resort in the company of honorable members of parliament Mrs. Clarisca Velasquez and Mr. Chris Dammers President of the Tourism Committee of the Aruban Parliament and family members.

Local artist Belinda de Veer will host a exclusive art exhibition and fundraising event tonight, Thursday June 27th, at L’America Gallery. The exhibition showcases over twenty paintings, featuring some of the work she created over the past ten years. This special exhibition is open to all audiences and will a unique opportunity for art collectors to obtain Belinda’s work at a great price.

Island artist Stephanie Croes captured the fashion statements of wedding dresses over a period of time and created six different stamps featuring marriage gowns. These stamps are available at Post Aruba for 2.00 florin each.

Santa Rosa is proud of our agriculturists and horticulturists who, despite the drought are able to supply our hotels and restaurants with local products of high quality. They are also amazed at the large number of young people who are adopting this lovely profession and taking Agriculture, Livestock and Fishery to the next level.