ABOUT THE RUNNING CLUB

History of Track and Field Club Trupial 1989 – 2024

35 years working for and with the youth of Curaçao in athletics.

Track and field club Trupial was founded in Curaçao on March 12th, 2089.

The first board was formed by:

President - Mr. Ruthsel Martina

Vice-President - Mr. Serapio Oliana

Secretary - Ms. Edseline House

Treasurer - Mr. Paul Marchel

2nd Treasurer - Mrs. Carla Stasia

Member - Ms. Miriella Naar

Member -

The concept of track and field club Trupial was born with the children of the neighborhoods of Santa Rosa and Bonam. After giving a presentation on athletics at both schools in the neighborhood, Trupial started with fifteen children on the football field of the football club Victory Boys.

The children could come to the training and afterward walk back home. The training facility was within walking distance of their home.

The Board had three targets:

To train and compete in athletics.
Recreation and vacation plan for the members of the club.
Education and coaching of the members of the sixth grade who must do their exam.

In the year 2001 Trupial came up with a new project which was a yearly sporting exchange with Track and field club Cupey Track of Puerto Rico. The competition started with a street and forest run.

Afterwards the competition became a relay event on the track and from then it was expanded with track and field events for children, youth, and masters.

Due to the different activities the club experienced a growth from 15 to 60 members within three years of its existence. The first logo was designed by OJ co-worker at Aqualectra

Because of its popularity, the club has grown with members from all over Curaçao. With the sponsorship of the sports bureau of the government, SEDREKO, Trupial was able to transport the athletes of the neighborhoods of Santa Rosa and Bonam to the Stadium of Suffisant where there was a sand track. The competitions of the local federation were organized in that stadium.

A way to acquire funds was by organizing concerts on board the vessel Freewinds. Worth mentioning is that the late Ced Ride and Hershel Rosario cooperated for free with Trupial on Freewinds to realize the year closing activities of our club.

Our first club sponsor was Lea Schog`s Enterprises for two years. And than we got Auto City for 10 years. This has help us a lot to execute our year program with our members

The results of Trupial began taking effect on the other clubs. Members such as Jaiiro Duzant, Churandy Martina, and Leimarven Bonifasia became work-class athletes running for Curacao and then for Holland. Also, we got Tweeboom on the long jump, Quentin Siberi, Jader Bernabela, and Vanessa Mersera on the high jump, who won silver and gold medals at the Carifta games. Millicent De La Pas and Enirahs Martina have made it to the Universiade Games

The membership of the club kept growing, and at one time, we had 110 members; the sporting exchange was expended with a team from Colombia, and we began competing in Colombia. Afterwards Aruba and Bonaire also joined the exchange. The competition kept growing, and more countries like St. Maarten, Jamaica, and Surinam also joined.

At one time we made Rust and Burgh our main training ground because it was a central facility for most of our athletes.

Now we have 56 members. We are working so that our talented athletes can enter a college in the USA and continue to train and compete in the USA. Our talented athlete, Vanessa Mercera, has now finished college and got a full scholarship for interning at a university.

The expectation is that seven countries will participate in the Trupial Classic on 7 and 8 of July 2023.

For this reason, we will organize the concert “Remember Ced Ride” to honor the contributions the late singer had given to our organization, and it will also be a fundraising event to organize the future Trupial Classic competition in Curacao.

Sport, Culture & Sport Tourism en Curacao

July 12th, 13th & 14th 2024

Ilustration of other island coming to Curacao to compete in Trupial classic

Track & field club Trupial invites you to take part in the exciting Trupial Classic meet, look at a tremendous folklore show, and enjoy one of the famous beaches in Curacao. With athletes from Cayman Island, Jamaica, Santo Domingo, Puerto Rico, St., Maarten, Suriname, Colombia, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao

Our Team

Welcome to Team Trupial!

We are more than just a team, we are a closely bonded family united by our love for track and field.

On this platform, you will get to know the faces behind Trupial's board, who have contributed to the success of our track and field group. At Trupial, we value collaboration, creativity, and dedication. We foster a culture of openness and respect, where everyone's voice counts. From brainstorming innovative ideas to overcoming challenges, we believe in teamwork and camaraderie. Our goal is to exceed expectations and make a positive impact in everything we do.

We are excited to have you here, so take a look at Trupial's board members and join the family!