PHILIPSBURG--As part of their 350-year celebration, the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps hosted a sports event on Boardwalk Boulevard on Friday afternoon called “Beat the Marines Challenge.”
Eleven teams signed up for the event, which involved an obstacle course participants had to complete as a team. One of the three Marine teams came out on top and was declared the winner of the challenge with a record time of 17 minutes and 10 seconds.
The teams were Cross Fit, two Coast Guard teams, Voluntary Corps St. Maarten VKS, Police Force, Fire Department, Kingdom Detective Cooperation Team RST, Belair Gym and three separate Marine teams.
The Marines Commander said at the beginning of the challenge, “Some 350 years ago, Michiel de Ruyter and Johan de Witt decided to lay the foundation for the Netherlands Marines Corps. Since 1665 the Marine Corps stands for unity, strength and commitment. All over the world, Netherlands Marines are celebrating this special day in a way which is in line with its values. I wish you luck and let the best team win.”
Teams of six had to-jump off Walter Plantz Pier and swim to the beachside where a military obstacle course waited for them with nine challenges. Teams then had to run and get in a boat and paddle for 700 metres. After completing the paddling, participants had to place the boat on their shoulders and carry it for a distance to the finish line. The three marine teams came out as the top three in the challenge.
The event ended with a barbeque and a reception for all participants to commemorate the Marine Corps’ 350 years of service.
