courtesy of: The Morning News
Aruba's Minister of Public Health and Sport, Dr. Richard Visser, proudly announced that world renowned soccer star Andre Ooijer, whose outstanding performance at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa played an important role in them winning 2nd place, has agreed to endorse a soccer clinic for Aruba youth over the weekend of June 3, 4 and 5.
Joining Dr. Visser for the announcement was Director of the Aruba Football League, (AVB) Jesse Beukenboom, Willy Willems, Head of IDEFRE. Aruba's official sport organization, and Jose Weaver, best known as Buchi Panama, Director of LIFIDA, the soccer league for island youth ages 7 to 17.
Andre Ooijer plays defense for the AJAX team in Holland and was one of' those selected to be on the Dutch National Team competing in the World Cup; their battle to the finals was avidly followed on Aruba, and after the competitions in South Africa, Andre and three of his teammates vacationed here, where they were honored by Prime Minister Mike Eman.
Ooijer agreed to lend his name and time to this free camp for island youngsters, providing them the opportunity for some authentic professional training and tips. There are 20 teams in LIFIDA; and 4 youngsters from each team, of either gender, will be selected to attend the camp at absolutely no charge. "This will offer an opportunity to some of the young talented players who cannot afford the costly camps offered during the summer school break to develop and improve their play," commented Dr. Visser. The project will include healthy meals and a program to educate youth on healthy lifestyles and what it takes to be a professional athlete.
Jesse Beukenboom mentioned that "Aruba's great soccer players of tomorrow are in LIFIDA today; such a project for youth is vital for the health of our children and the continuation of the sport."
Conducting the camp will be a delegation of 4 expert soccer coaches, and Andre Ooijer will be attending the final competition which will end the program, and the awarding of the Andre Ooijer Cup 2011. Minister Visser emphasized that a tournament will allow all LIFIDA players to participate and play. During the weekend, special training sessions for island soccer coaches working with the young LIFIDA players will be conducted.
Saturday, June 4, young athletes of all sport disciplines are invited to participate in a session of Extreme II activities, a long standing health project for youth from Minister Visser, taking place at the Frans Figaroa Stadium in Noord from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Olijer's status as one of the great players of Holland was just confirmed as his contract with Ajax was renewed for the 2011/2012 season; Jesse Beukenboom expressed this was a great cooperative effort of many agencies and the hope it will become an annual event.
