The Aruba Judo Federation is moving into a new phase after its statutes were signed in Oranjestad on September 4, creating a formal structure for the sport’s development across the island.
The International Judo Federation reported that the signing took place during a visit by representatives of the Panamerican Judo Confederation. The officials also met local clubs, sporting authorities and Aruba’s Minister of Sport as they discussed the federation’s next steps.
Regional officials support Aruba’s new federation
The visiting delegation included PJC Director General José Humberto RodrÃguez, Director of Recognitions Pedro Kolychkine and Caribbean Judo Confederation President Gilberto GarcÃa, who also serves as a PJC vice-president.
They represented PJC President Carlos Zegarra Presser and coordinated the visit with the International Judo Federation. Their work in Aruba included meetings with the island’s judo community and support for the creation of the new governing body.
Terence Daly, Flavio Faneyte and Aruban Olympian Fiderd Vis signed the statutes. The federation plans to bring Aruba’s six judo clubs, coaches, athletes and institutions together under a shared development program.
Focus shifts to young athletes and international competition
With the formal organization now in place, the Aruba Judo Federation is expected to focus on grassroots participation, coaching and opportunities for a new generation of judoka. A central ambition is to help Aruban athletes return to international competition under the island’s own flag.
The delegation’s meeting with the Minister of Sport also addressed equipment and the development of a national-team coaching position. Those areas could provide practical support as the federation builds its programs, although a timetable has not yet been announced.
Recognition for long-standing youth work
The visit also recognized Flavio Faneyte for his contribution to local judo. He received the PJC President’s Award for sustained work with young people and for establishing a dojo in a vulnerable community.
The ceremony marked both the completion of the federation’s first organizational milestone and the beginning of a longer effort to strengthen Aruba’s place within Caribbean, Pan-American and international judo.
Sources: International Judo Federation and 24ora.
