Dear Editor,
When I say that sport has the power to change and be a tool to develop so much, this is exactly what I mean.
After the incredible achievement of Team Curaçao, who secured their place in the World Cup, making history as the smallest nation ever to do so, we have all witnessed the true essence of what sport can inspire in a people.
That achievement was vision.
It was hard work, collaboration, and sacrifice.
It was leadership, discipline, determination, and above all, national pride.
As many of us across the former Netherlands Antilles, the Caribbean, and the entire world watched this historic moment unfold, we felt that pride. That joy. That excitement. That deep emotional connection that rushed through our bodies as our brothers from Curaçao advanced and secured this monumental achievement. That feeling is proof that, in that moment, we identified with them.
We witnessed the rise of the “Blue Wave” – the heartbeat, the spirit, the energy, the courage, and the strength of the Yu Korsou people. A wave powered by belief, unity, and the unshakable will of a nation determined to make history on the world stage.
I want us all to remember that feeling.
Hold on to it.
Reflect on it.
Let it anchor us.
But most importantly, let it guide and inspire us here on St. Maarten.
Because that feeling is the perfect example of the power sport has, not just to entertain, compete, or win awards, but to transform lives, communities, and nations.
So today, I call on and challenge everyone in the sports sector, and the entire community of St. Maarten, to truly see and believe in this power:
The power of sport to uplift physical and mental health.
The power to strengthen communities and tackle social issues.
The power to unite people.
The power to build a nation.
We can only build and feel that kind of pride when we value ourselves, when we understand who we are, and when we share a purpose and a vision, a vision to grow, to develop, and to excel together.
A future made magical, not by chance, but by choices, by will, and by the identity of its people.
May this moment remind us of what is possible for St. Maarten, we Soualigans. If we believe in ourselves, invest in our people, take ownership of our future, hold ourselves accountable, work together toward one shared vision, and challenge ourselves to be critical thinkers with a growth mindset, ready to build, innovate, and lead.
Let us reflect.
Let us find introspection.
Let us reconnect to why we are here, what this beautiful island means to us, and how we can collectively build a better future for it.
As Nelson Mandela so powerfully reminded the world, in one of my favorite reflections on sport: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.”
As I reflect on that powerful feeling that rushed through my body during that last football game, and on the opportunities sport has given me throughout my life, I truly hope this moment inspires St. Maarten as well.
Thank you for taking the time to read. I hope you too, feel inspired.
Let’s keep working together.
Yours truly,
A sports and community lover and passionate St. Martiner
Naomi Korstanje
President – St. Maarten Sports Federation (SMSF)
