Ronaldo: HeCame, We Saw, He Conquered
CIFA President,Jeff Webb, Cayman's own super athlete, Kareem Streete, Ronaldoand Dr. the Hon. Frank McField, Minister of Sports
What does one do after winning the WorldCup?
Contrary to popular belief, Disney Worldis not the automatic next stop after a major athletic accomplishment.The sandy beaches and clear waters of Grand Cayman are an attractivealternative for those seeking to relax and unwind. Just ask internationalsoccer star Ronaldo.
Ronaldo witha young fan holding autographed dollar bill; Sharing an eveningat the Hyatt's Bamboo with the Hon. McKeeva Bush and admiringfans and below poses for a photograph following his autographingof a football.
Within moments of his arrival, Ronaldo'svisit to our Island became national news. After all, the charismaticplayer from Rio de Janeiro finished the World Cup with the GoldenBoot as the leading scorer with eight goals, and his aggregate12 World Cup goals equalled the number of Pele. But last weekTuesday, the most recognized athletic figure in the world arrivedin Cayman with his wife, Milene, for four days of R & R.
The couple stayed at the Hyatt Regency Hoteland was spotted many times on the beach. Mr. William Connelly,Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Britannia Resort,noted that the couple "appeared to enjoy themselves by relaxingand enjoying the [hotel's] facilities."
Those who approached Ronaldo were oftengreeted with a smile, and the man known as "O Fenomeno"(the Phenomenon) did not disappoint: he posed for photographsand gave autographs freely. Only when a crowd began gatheringdid the shy star retreat to his room.
By noon on Friday, Ronaldo's whereaboutswere no longer a secret. A crowd gathered at his hotel and followedhim to the airport. Due to either miscommunication or lack oforganization, passes to the airport's VIP lounge were not restrictedto members of the media and government figures, so fans were alsoable to make their way to the lounge.
At the VIP lounge, Ronaldo looked tired and overwhelmed.
As he sat with his wife on the couch, fansof all ages tried to make their way in to see their beloved hero.When asked if they had enjoyed their stay in the island, Milene,his wife and a celebrity in her own right (she set a world recordby dribbling a soccer ball for nine hours), answered, "Yes,it was wonderful. It is so beautiful and tranquil here."As to whether or not they would come back she answered "Ofcourse!"
As security was clearing the room so thatthe couple could rest, a fan told him that there was a lot oflove for him here, that when it came to soccer Caymanians wereBrazilian at heart. The galactic superstar smiled and said, "Thank-you".