ORANJESTAD (DA) — Hall of Famer Andruw Jones visited Aruba and met with Sports Minister Gerlien Croes and Prime Minister Mike Eman to discuss youth development and investment in sport.
The meeting covered Jones’ international experience and the path he built in Major League Baseball, along with how Aruba can keep using sport as a tool to develop young talent.
Among the main topics discussed were Jones’ project in Curaçao focused on guiding and developing young players through structure, discipline and direction, and the possibility of creating a similar initiative in Aruba centered on coaching, mentorship and youth athlete development.
The conversation also included potential collaborations with star athletes to strengthen motivation and inspiration in the sports community, and the importance of encouraging young people to combine sport with school and treat education as a foundation for long-term success.
Croes said the leadership, discipline and international experience Jones brings can be valuable for Aruba, especially as the country looks for strong role models for its youth.
“The kind of inspiration Andruw Jones can bring is not only for the athlete who steps onto the field, but also for the young person looking for direction,” Croes said. “We must keep creating pathways for our youth, so they can grow in sport without leaving their education behind.”
Croes also emphasized a vision to strengthen baseball in Aruba while using sport as a way to build character, discipline, responsibility and a future-focused mindset.
The ministry is continuing work on initiatives that prioritize youth and sports development, while opening the door to local and regional partnerships aimed at expanding opportunities for Aruban talent.