ORANJESTAD (AAN): The road toward the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 has officially begun for TEAMARU, as the Head of Mission departed yesterday for Dakar, Senegal.
The purpose of this trip is to attend the Chef de Mission meeting, where representatives from participating countries gather to receive key information regarding preparation and participation in the Youth Olympic Games. This edition is especially significant, as it marks the first time in history that an Olympic event will be hosted on the African continent, making Dakar 2026 a historic milestone.
Representing the Aruba Olympic Committee (COA) is Patrick Werleman, who has been appointed as the Chef de Mission (CDM) for the Games. In addition to serving as Director of Development at COA and President of the national anti-doping organization ARUNADO, Werleman brings valuable experience, having previously led Aruba’s delegation at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
The COA expressed confidence in Werleman’s leadership and wished him success during the meetings in Dakar. The information gathered will be crucial in preparing TEAMARU for their participation in the Youth Olympic Games scheduled for November 2026.
This marks an important step forward for Aruba’s young athletes as they prepare to represent the island on an international stage.
