WILLEMSTAD – Curaçaoan athlete Glenka Antonia secured an impressive second-place finish at the Bolivarian Games in Peru last week. The 26-year-old high jumper cleared a height of 1.86 meters, earning a silver medal for Curaçao.
Antonia was warmly welcomed back on Monday at Hato International Airport by family members, friends, fellow athletes, and Minister of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) Charetti America-Francisca. During a press conference, Antonia said she was proud to represent Curaçao on an international stage and expressed her appreciation for the heartfelt reception upon her return.
The Curaçao baseball national team also arrived on the island on the same day after winning a bronze medal. With the silver medal in athletics and the bronze medal in baseball, Curaçao secured two medals during its first-ever participation in the Bolivarian Games.
The Curaçao Olympic Committee (FDOK), together with its sponsors, presented gifts to both Antonia and the baseball team in recognition of their achievements. The baseball selection received a day pass from Corendon. Antonia was awarded €1,000 and a two-night stay at Corendon, while her coach, Raúl Varona Pérez, also received €1,000 for his work with Antonia and his contribution to the Curaçaoan delegation as a whole. In addition, the athletics federation received a contribution of 2,000 guilders.
The strong performances and warm reception highlight a milestone moment for Curaçao’s sports community following its debut at the Bolivarian Games.