International Baseball Partners (IBP) announced on Friday that it has entered into a Collaboration Agreement with the national governing body of baseball in Curacao (FEBEKO) to promote youth, adult, and professional baseball on the island. The Agreement signed by IBP and FEBEKO is a significant development in the move toward establishing Curacao as a major international baseball hub. Chief Executive Officer for IBP, Michael Powers made the announcement and issued the following statement:
“IBP is pleased to announce that we have entered into a working agreement with Curacao’s leading baseball governing body, FEBEKO. We believe the time is now to bring together the vision of IBP with that of FEBEKO to build an international baseball hub that will benefit Curacao and the region. IBP is honored to be the first baseball company from the United States to collaborate with FEBEKO, and we look forward to growing this cooperation to enhance the quality of youth and adult baseball on the island. It is our goal, through this Agreement and the RIF Stadium Renovation Project to assist in the economic recovery for the people of Curacao.”
Earlier this summer, IBP announced its RIF Stadium Renovation plans to include a make-over of the historic Johnny Vrutaal Stadium. The project includes a minor league sized stadium that is retractable to meet the needs of youth and adult baseball as well as attracting international competitions to the island. Also planned are corporate suites, locker rooms, and an indoor training facility. Additional value for the complex is slated with an anchor resort hotel and convention center, condominiums, and a tourist grabbing sports museum.