By Lidanel Molenaar
The Youth competition 2017 official kick-off took place on Saturday 7 January. Despite the rainy weather, a large number of youth players assembled for the traditional defile at the start of the season on Saturday Morning.
After marching into the stadium, singing the national anthem and one minute of silence for the departed Lio 'Paps' Capriles of main sponsor MCB, Curacao Prime Minister Hensley Koeiman held a motivational speech for the kids.
Koeiman asked the young atletes to please respect the rules - and the referees! He hoped to one day see some of these players representing Curacao internationally in a full stadium, which will only happen if fair play is honoured.
The Prime Minnister thanked the parents for supporting their children in their sports - very important, even if your child might not the next Messi.
Sports is abouth health, about discipline and about learning wo win and to lose.
Koeiman and his minister of Finance and Sports Kenneth Gijsbertha tookto the field for the official kick-off and then it was match time!
