Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS) Melissa Gumbs cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the new multipurpose court at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex (RISC) on Friday afternoon. Joining her were (on her right) Director of Sport Jonelle Richardson and (on her left) Deputy Director of SZV Elton Felisie, and Director of the National Sports Institute (NSI) Jisk Goslinga.
CAY HILL--The National Sports Institute (NSI) officially opened its new multipurpose sports court at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex (RISC) on Friday, marking another significant step in the modernization of Sint Maarten's sports infrastructure.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS) Melissa Gumbs, representatives of the Social and Health Insurances (SZV), members of the sporting community, invited guests and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate the completion of the state-of-the-art facility. Both minister and SZV Deputy Director Elton Felisie gave brief remarks.
The new court has been designed as a long-term investment in community sports and youth development. Rather than simply resurfacing the deteriorated asphalt court, NSI opted for a complete reconstruction of the facility from the ground up to ensure greater durability, safety and lower maintenance costs over its lifespan.
According to NSI, the decision required a larger financial investment but will provide a far more stable playing surface capable of serving the community for many years.
The first phase, undertaken by Caribbean General Contractors (CGC) N.V., involved removing the existing asphalt court and its deteriorated substructure, installing a newly compacted basecourse, and constructing a reinforced concrete slab to provide a solid foundation.
Following the curing of the concrete slab, the second phase focused on installing a modern polyurethane sports court system. The works included a base primer with an integrated 4-millimetre shockpad, epoxy sealant, a 2-millimetre self-leveling polyurethane sports surface, a final polyurethane coating with a sand finish, line markings for multiple sporting disciplines, new perimeter fencing, upgraded sports lighting providing 300 LUX illumination, and drainage improvements.
The specialized polyurethane sports flooring was installed by GCC Sport Surfaces, an international sports flooring company, with local support provided by Akashco Maintenance & Construction.
The completed facility accommodates tennis, volleyball and netball immediately, while 3x3 basketball will become available in September once the basketball systems arrive.
NSI noted that the court is the first outdoor sports facility on Sint Maarten to feature an integrated shockpad beneath the playing surface, significantly improving player comfort, reducing impact on joints and enhancing overall safety and performance.
Funding for the project was provided primarily through SZV and St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) under the Memorandum of Understanding with Government and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. NSI also made a substantial financial contribution beyond the available MOU funding to ensure the court met higher construction standards by rebuilding the entire foundation instead of carrying out only a surface renovation.
The facility is managed by NSI and is a venue opened to be used by the community.
Schools, sports organizations, youth groups and members of the public have access to the court. Priority will be given to structured youth sports programmes, while recreational users will be able to utilize the facility free of charge when no organized activities are scheduled. Tournaments and organized events will attract a rental fee, with proceeds dedicated to the ongoing maintenance of the court.
By accommodating four sporting disciplines on a single high-quality surface, the new facility increases opportunities for participation while maximizing the use of government-owned sporting infrastructure.
NSI said the project forms part of its broader strategy to improve public sports facilities across the country by creating safe, accessible and modern venues that encourage active lifestyles, support athlete development and strengthen community engagement through sport.
