Before we get to the 2023-2024 season, let’s start with the birth of SV Uruguay Titans. In 2018, just after our U11 team was crowned champion at the international tournament in Curaçao named the “Future Cup,” we decided that a change was needed. Change meant leaving the team we were part of and forming a new team. Our deepest desire was to create a soccer club where youth were the main focus. One parent already had a name and logo in mind for the new team, “Titans,” and we all agreed this was the way forward. As the rules stated that a youth team could only exist if it was connected to a first (adult) team, we went searching for a team to join. We found a home in SV Uruguay. SV Uruguay and its former president, Edsel “Broer” Chirino, adopted the Titans and its vision to prioritize youth soccer as the foundation of the club. This marked the birth of SV Uruguay Titans, with Titans representing the youth members of the club. Every vision needs a slogan, and ours became: “More than just a team, we are family.”
THE STORY OF AN UNBEATEN U17 SEASON
“more than just a team, we are FAMILY”
Even before the 2023-2024 season began, it promised to be our most successful season yet. This was the first year since 2018 that our former U11 players were now old enough to be part of our first (adult) team. Our U17 team was a force to be reckoned with, competing in three categories during the season: U17, U21, and First Team (seniors). As a club, we knew we had something special, and when an invitation arrived from the organizer of the 2018 “Future Cup” for us to participate in an international tournament in March 2024 in Curaçao, we accepted immediately.
CENTRO JUVE INTERNATIONAL CUP 2024 (CURAÇAO)
The moment we accepted the invitation to the Centro Juve International Cup, we began training. The club organized several fundraising events to make it possible for us to travel with three teams to Curaçao. In the pre-season tournament, Titans U17 had already won all of its games, and the challenge now was to replicate this on an international level. The tournament consisted of four teams in the U17 category: Centro Juve (CUR), FC Stallions (CUR), SCSA Eagles (St. Maarten Champions), and SV Uruguay Titans (BON). Each team played the others, and the top two teams would face off in the finals.
Our first game was against FC Stallions from Curaçao, which we won with a score of 6-1. The second game, scheduled against Centro Juve, was won by default. Our third game was against the SCSA Eagles, the champions of St. Maarten, and we won 2-0. Winning all three games qualified us for the finals, where we would once again face the SCSA Eagles. The Eagles scored early with a penalty to take a 1-0 lead. However, we dominated the remaining minutes and, in the last minute of the game—the 90th minute—we scored the equalizer. Eagles fans were stunned, while Titans fans erupted with excitement at the national stadium Ergilio Hato in Curaçao. The game went to penalties, and Titans were crowned champions, winning the shootout 4-2.
Photography by: Maryury Botia
We are
KOPA LITO 2024 U17
After returning as champions from Curaçao, it was time for our local tournament on Bonaire, “Kopa Lito 2024.” The local tournament also consisted of four teams: Real Rincon, Flamingo, ATC, and Uruguay Titans. Our first game was against Flamingo U17, which we won 6-1, marking the first step toward the finals. The next game was against ATC, with a 4-0 victory. Our last game of the qualifiers was against the previous Kopa Lito champions, Real Rincon, and we won again with a score of 4-0. This qualified us for the finals, though we had to wait until the final match day to know our opponent. It was then confirmed that we would face the Kopa Lito 2023 champions, Real Rincon, who had won against Titans 2-1 the previous year. Coach Jermaine emphasized that 2024 was our year to make a statement. Preparations were made, and the final game was a decisive victory, crushing the former champions with a score of 10-0 to become the undefeated Kopa Lito 2024 champions. Our U17 team achieved this while also being named the most disciplined team of the tournament.
ABC CUP 2024 U17
The ABC CUP has always been a celebrated event in the islands, traditionally played by the first teams (seniors) only. However, for the 2024 ABC CUP, the government of Bonaire, represented by INDEBON, together with FFB, the soccer federation of Bonaire, decided to add a U17 category to the tournament. The exciting part was that these games would be played in front of a home crowd in Bonaire.
During the official draws, our first opponent, the Curaçao champions SV VESTA U17, was announced. Vesta U17 also had an unbeaten season in Curaçao, having been crowned champions there. This was a must-win match, as only the winner would advance to the finals. In front of our home fans, we defeated SV VESTA with a score of 2-1, advancing to the finals. The other finalist was SV Britannia from Aruba. The final match had all the elements of a thrilling showdown, pitting the undefeated champions of Aruba, “SV Britannia U17,” against the undefeated champions of Bonaire, “SV Uruguay Titans U17.” In an absolute thriller, we won with a score of 2-1, remaining undefeated champions and making history by claiming the first-ever U17 ABC CUP.
NEXT CHALLENGE
As a team, we would first like to thank God for an amazing season, recognizing that without Him, none of this would be possible. We are currently preparing to face a new challenge. On November 29th, we will be traveling to Medellin, Colombia, to face the undefeated U17 professional team of Colombia, “Deportivo Independiente Medellin.”
While this may seem far-fetched, it could also be another dream in the making. Our slogan remains strong: “More than a team, we are family,” and together, we will march forward to every new challenge on the horizon. WE ARE TITANS!
are Titans! Titans!
“ resilience, and opportunity for Bonaire’s entrepreneurial community,”
“GEW anniversary celebration possible. It’s a celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship on Bonaire.” In alignment with this year’s theme,
Caleb Noor
"The training and resources provided by Qredits have been instrumental in our growth."
Luis Alberto and Yesenia Dorothea
Proprietors of Complete Landscaping Services
Qredits Bonaire
Qredits Boneiru
Qredits Microfinanciering Bonaire
Growing with Qredits: The Journey of Luis Alberto and Yesenia Dorothea
At Qredits, we believe entrepreneurship is a journey that requires both a strong start and continuous growth. That’s why we offer more than just microloans—we provide courses on creating business and financial plans, which can be used to apply for funding. After receiving a loan, entrepreneurs can further their knowledge through training and personalized coaching to overcome specific challenges. Our slogan, "Growing with Qredits," reflects our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from the beginning to long-term success.
That’s when Qredits Bonaire stepped in—not only providing the necessary financial backing but also believing in their potential when it mattered most.
"Qredits genuinely trusts in the entrepreneur's potential from the beginning and provides the opportunity to reach their goals," Yesenia notes.
Complete Landscaping Services
In 2017, Luis Alberto and Yesenia Dorothea embarked on a journey to transform their passion for landscaping into a thriving business. With 14 years of experience in the field, Luis had honed his skills while working at a local company. When the owner offered them the chance to purchase the company’s equipment, Luis and Yesenia seized the opportunity and took a leap of faith. Starting with just a small truck and a mini excavator, they were determined to build something of their own.
However, commercial banks were hesitant to support their dream, leaving them with limited options. Rather than being discouraged, they saw this challenge as an opportunity to explore new avenues for financial support.
Our services
We commit to fostering the growth of your enterprise and securing its long-term success by offering a wide array of support services designed to meet your business needs:
Invest in your business or idea with our microloans
Receive one-on-one support through coaching
Broaden your knowledge through training
With Qredits' support, Luis and Yesenia were able to navigate the early stages of their business. The guidance they received extended beyond just financial advice; Qredits helped them refine their business plan, understand their market competition, and improve their pricing strategies.
Over the past seven years, the Dorotheas have learned invaluable lessons through their partnership with Qredits. From enhancing customer service to mastering financial control, they have grown not only as business owners but also as leaders in their community. Their business has expanded beyond landscaping, venturing into fruit production, which has allowed them to
"We’ve learned a lot since 2017," Yesenia shares. "The training and resources provided by Qredits have been instrumental in our growth. We’re now in a position where we can confidently say our business is stable."
Growing with confidence
Looking to the future, Luis and Yesenia envision their business as a pioneer in the production of plants and fruits on Bonaire. They aspire to establish partnerships with the government to make local products more accessible and affordable for the community. As they plan for further expansion, they are once again turning to Qredits, seeking additional financing to support their vision of growth through the Agriloan, which offers lower interest rates specifically for the agricultural sector.
Their advice to future entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: "If you see something as difficult, don’t be discouraged. Many people have great ideas but are afraid to push forward. Don’t hesitate—leap. There will be challenges, but if you feel it in your heart, go for it."
The journey of Luis and Yesenia Dorothea is a testament to the power of perseverance and the critical role that support, like that from Qredits, can play in turning dreams into reality. Through hard work, determination, and the right guidance, they have truly grown with Qredits.
The Dorothea family is the backbone of Complete Landscaping Services.
A Journey of Wellness at Float Bonaire
A Haven of Serenity: Float Bonaire
Born from a deep-rooted desire to alleviate stress and anxiety, Float Bonaire was a dream that took shape over time. Our journey began long time ago with a quest to discover therapies that could enhance overall well-being. We delved into a world of ancient healing practices and cutting-edge techniques, we’ve tried a long list of diverse therapies and experiences ultimately curating a unique blend of them designed to soothe the mind, revitalize the body, and nourish the soul.
A Sanctuary of Tranquility
Finally, this year after the idea was fully formed, we searched for the best place possible, the team and the best equipment in the market. In April we’ve opened our serene sanctuary in Bonaire which offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here, you can immerse yourself in a world of tranquility and revitalization.
Our Therapeutic Offerings:
Float Therapy: Experience the sensation of weightlessness as you float in our soundproof, temperature-controlled float tanks. This sensory deprivation experience can reduce stress, improve sleep, and alleviate pain.
Cold Plunge: Take the plunge into our cold plunge with controlled temperature (so you can have your therapy regulated according to your expertise) and reap the benefits of cold therapy. This invigorating experience can boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and enhance cognitive function.
Infrared Sauna: Detoxify your body, relieve muscle tension, and improve circulation in our infrared sauna. This sauna feels like a gentle heat but the real heat comes from inside your skin, promoting relaxation and healing.
Contrast Therapy: Combine and enhance the invigorating effects of cold plunge with the relaxing warmth of the infrared sauna for a truly transformative experience.
Breathwork: Learn powerful breathing techniques to help you release tension and restore balance to your mind, body and spirit.
Massage: Release tension and promote relaxation with our expert massage therapists. We offer a variety of massage styles to suit your individual needs.
In addition to our core offerings, we’re always on the lookout for innovative therapies and experiences to bring to Float Bonaire. That’s why we periodically host workshops and retreats led by expert therapists.
We also have a little retail area that has available for you with Bach Flowers Pharmacy, Pukka teas, essential oils, soothing candles and much more, everything related with your relaxation and well-being.
During these first months one of the favorite products has been our discovery package that allows to try, during the same day, the float therapy, the cold plunge and the infrared sauna, this is excellent if you don’t know where to start or if you want to try it as much as you can in a day.
And lately, the gift cards, for birthdays, anniversary celebration, corporate Christmas presents or simply because somebody wants to share the feeling of the recovered well-being, the gift card have been in high demand.
Bonaire a Wellness Oasis in the World
For us was very important that this project was nestled in Bonaire, a Caribbean paradise renowned for its pristine waters and laid-back atmosphere. We think that this island offers a unique blend of perfect weather, sceneries, waters and community. Float Bonaire has been created to provide the perfect setting for you to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler seeking adventure or a local looking for a peaceful retreat, Float Bonaire is your sanctuary. We invite you to experience the transformative power of our therapies and discover a new level of well-being.
Book your session today and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
