WILLEMSTAD — Youth baseball teams from Metro Leadership Sports Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, will visit Curaçao from January 16 to 19, 2026, as part of a cultural exchange program combined with a series of youth baseball games against local Curaçao selections.
The visit is being organized by the Curaçao Baseball Development Foundation (CBDF), in collaboration with the Curaçao Tourism Board (CTB), and forms part of an international initiative aimed at promoting cultural and sporting exchange.
The Atlanta-based organization will arrive with two youth teams, Under-16 and Under-14, consisting of 32 players and eight coaches, accompanied by parents, family members, and supporters. In addition, several players from One League Aruba – RBI have been invited by the Atlanta organization to strengthen their teams.
All games will be played at Tio Daou Ballpark in Sta. Rosa. On Saturday, January 17, games are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. On Sunday, January 18, a doubleheader will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Curaçao’s technical staff, including Carlos Pineda, Ghionelo Jansen, Jeremy Lucas, Sherrently Da Costa Gomez, and Jair Quant, has assembled strong local selections to face the visiting teams. The Federashon di Beisbòl di Kòrsou (FEBEKO) and the Curaçao Prospect League (CPL) are supporting the initiative by providing uniforms and players for the Curaçao teams.
Beyond competition, the games will also serve as preparation for Curaçao’s participation in the South American Youth Games 2026, scheduled to take place in April.
While baseball will take center stage during the weekend, the trip is primarily designed as a cultural exchange experience. For many of the Atlanta players, this will be their first time traveling outside the United States. In addition to games and training sessions, participants will take part in cultural and tourism activities showcasing Curaçao’s rich heritage and vibrant community.
CBDF expressed hope that the visiting athletes will leave Curaçao as ambassadors for the island and extended special thanks to the Curaçao Tourism Board, FEBEKO, and the Curaçao Prospect League for their valuable collaboration in making the initiative possible.