Azaiah Duzon earning St. Maarten's first Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) gold medal at the Swimming Championships in St. Lucia and other regional feats by local athletes led Members of Parliament (MPs) to call for continued investment in sports development (see related story). Duzon won three silver medals too, while several other St. Maarten Aquatic Federation members took silver and bronze.
The Dream Warriors girls also went to Curaçao for the U-14 Softball Tournament and returned as champions. In addition, the 37ers youth baseball team which competed at last month’s sixth edition of the Aruba Baseball & Softball in Paradise 2026 tournament finished second.
There have been many notable sports performances in the recent past, despite often lacking or less-than-optimal related facilities. The idea that more can be achieved with better means is certainly not far-fetched.
To be fair, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Melissa Gumbs is reportedly already taking steps to ensure structural funding, particularly after St. Maarten won its first gold in track and field at the Carifta Games, even though government’s finances are limited. That delegation was only able to participate after a last-minute effort to raise enough cash from the community for the trip.
But promoting sports is not just about material resources. For example, the national football team has not been able to play home games in official international competitions because the Raoul Illidge Sport Complex did not meet FIFA requirements.
The squad will finally enjoy a meaningful match in front of their own fans today, Tuesday, November 10 at 8:30pm during a friendly against Anguilla, while the women face their counterparts from the French side at 6:30pm. Come out and show your support.
