Bonaire Team U8 traveled to Marion in July. IL USA, to compete in the PONY International Classic U8. This was the second time, as they had also competed in 2023 where they had become sub-champions. When they returned they were so disappointed that they had only one goal in mind to train very hard and go back for the top title. So that happened on July 7. This time they had traveled a little earlier so that the little players had a little more time to rest properly, but also to acclimate. In all, they played nine games. First, two training games and then they could play their first official game on July 12. Their match schedule and score looked like this: Team Bonaire – Roylaton IL USA – won 13 – 0 Team Bonaire – Mattoon IL USA – won 10 – 1 Team Bonaire – Carbondale IL USA – won 8 -2 After winning these three teams they were allowed to go to a ” Pre-quarter final” against Centralia IL USA where they defeated this team 20 – 0. Then to the quarter final against the home team Marion IL USA also won by a score of 10 – 3. After this victory of course very happy they went to the semifinals against China. They also defeated China 13-5. After a super long day filled with fatigue, emotion and having already played two games, they were still ready for the finals where they faced Carterville IL USA. With a beautiful score of 8 – 0, they became UNVERSAL CHAMPIONS of this tournament. These ” champions from another breed” were festively received on Bonaire upon arrival. We are very happy and that such a small island achieved such a great success. PROUD