CUL DE SAC--Under much enthusiasm and fanfare, the spanking new mini-football field was officially opened at Emilio Wilson Park last evening.
On hand to perform the ceremonial rights of cutting the ribbon was Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Wycliffe Smith, other ministers, parliamentarians, member of the St. Maarten Football Federation (SXMFF) and other dignitaries.
The beginning of the mini-football field was birth out of a discussion between President of SXMFF, Johnny Singh and Johan van Geijn, from Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) a few days after hurricane Irma. After the discussion, Geijn organized the funding through support from various donors in Europe. There were also solid financial contributions Confederation of North, Central American Caribbean Association Federation (CONCACAF), Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and Union of European Football Association (UEFA) support from Rainforest Adventures N.V was approached and willingly consented to provide the land.
Smith gave special congratulations to SXMFF and stated “This is great facility for our youngsters and I encourage youngsters to take part of the facility.
Minister of Finance, Perry Geerlings who was a former national goalkeeper, stated in his message “Let soccer be the means to connect with one another. There is too much infightings ... we have to come together to bring soccer in St. Maarten to a higher level. Sport is the main tool or one of the main tools to prevent (problems) in society.” He stated that dedication and hunger for the game brings one a step further in the game.
Geijn has been instrumental in coordinating the building of the facility and according to Director of Sports Janelle Richardson, in guiding the St. Maarten Government on how to access funding and other opportunities available to St. Maarten from The Netherlands. He was accompanied by Johan Neeskens, Stanley Menzo and Gerrit Sehartian who were former players with the Royal Dutch Football Association KNVB.
The Marketing Manager of Rainforest related that the company was honoured to take part in the project. They were very happy to donate the land for the project to take place and could not have asked for a better partner.
CONCACAF representatives Howard Mc Intosh and Jason Robert made brief remarks which focused mainly on congratulations and promoting the “One CONCACAF concept.” Mc Intosh noted that CONCACAF pledges its continued financial, technical support to SXMFF President and his team. Robert presented the local football President with the new CONCACAF logo in order to replace the old logo.
The football facility will be operated by SXMFF and is opened for public use.
