Seven Handbikes

On December 11, the athletics track at Sentro Deportivo Korsou became the stage for an inspiring moment. Seven handbikes were handed over to The Eagles athletics club, giving five athletes with physical disabilities the chance to train and compete in a new way. Coaches joined them on the field as they immediately started practicing, showing what inclusion in sports truly looks like.

This initiative was led by Aksel Cijntje, a Curaçao-born student of Intercultural Guidance and Social Work at Alfa-college in Groningen. After sustaining a spinal cord injury from a gunshot, Aksel discovered handbike sports during his rehabilitation—a turning point that gave him strength and hope. His mission now is to offer the same opportunity to others on the island and ultimately create a wheelchair-accessible park for sports, games, and community.

The event highlighted the importance of an inclusive society and the role of sports in building confidence, well-being, and participation. Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sport, Alfa-college, Dolphin Suites & Wellness, and local advocates joined the celebration. Aksel’s journey has already inspired many, from schools to neighborhoods and even the prison system, where he shares his story to promote accessibility and inclusion.

This project was made possible thanks to support from Alfa-college, Fit for Life Kluiverboom, Kluiverboom Management, Duurzaamheidsteam Hoogeveen, and Dolphin Suites & Wellness Curaçao. It also connects to global goals such as SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being and SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, proving that local action can drive global impact.

☎️ Contact Information:
👤 Alette Borger, General Manager Dolphin Suites & Wellness
📍 Curaçao
📞 +5999 6637458
📧 alette@dolphinsuites-curacao.com
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