From February 20–25, 2026, the Aruba Aquatics Federation hosted the World Aquatics Discover Water Country Leads Training, welcoming 22 participants from across the American continent for an impactful week dedicated to aquatic development, water safety, and community sustainability.

Strengthening Leadership Across the Americas

The Discover Water Programme, a worldwide grassroots initiative by World Aquatics, promotes aquatic participation and water safety through a physical literacy–based approach. Focused primarily on children aged 6 to 12, the program supports educators and federations in building confidence, skills, and long-term engagement in aquatics.

During the week in Aruba, participants were prepared to become Country Leads, equipping them to introduce and implement the Discover Water Programme in their home nations. Training sessions offered practical tools and structured strategies designed for sustainable, local impact.

Strategic Alignment with Aruba’s Aquatic Vision

This event resonated deeply with the Aruba Aquatics Federation’s strategic goals, which prioritize strengthening aquatic sports at every level by enhancing grassroots participation and supporting athlete pathways from early development through elite performance.

For Aruba — an island nation bounded by water — cultivating confidence, competence, and safety in aquatic environments is a core part of ensuring a healthy and strong future for our children. By championing grassroots programs like Discover Water, the Federation fosters essential life skills that help young people thrive both in sport and in daily life.

Developing Physical Literacy Through Aquatics

The Discover Water Programme focused on building physical literacy through aquatic activities, helping children develop the skills and confidence needed to move safely and effectively in and around water.

Grassroots & Water Safety
A child-centered approach that supported physical, cognitive, social, and psychological literacy while prioritizing drowning prevention.

Education & Capacity Building
Providing Member Federations and educators with practical resources to build long-term impact within their communities.

Additional themes
Encouraging environmental stewardship and empowering participants to protect aquatic environments for future generations. The programme also integrates Olympic values — respect, excellence and friendship — while also celebrating and connecting to the local culture and its relationship with water.

Engaging the Community – 50 Children Participated

On February 24, the program extended into the local community with a special event for 50 children. The day combined fun, education, and hands-on experiences designed to promote Olympic values, water safety, and environmental awareness.

Through interactive activities, the children developed confidence in and around water while learning the importance of teamwork, respect, and responsible behavior.

This initiative embodied the spirit of Discover Water — making aquatics accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone.

A Proud Moment for Aruba

By hosting the Discover Water Country Leads Training and engaging local youth in the program, Aruba played a meaningful role in advancing aquatic development across the Americas. The training concluded on February 25, and the 22 newly prepared leaders returned to their countries ready to introduce the program and help strengthen aquatic communities throughout the region.

This week in Aruba not only showcased regional and continental collaboration but also emphasized the importance of grassroots development as part of a broader strategic vision for youth and sport on the island — ensuring the next generation is confident, capable, and inspired by aquatics.

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