MARIGOT—Thanks to the efforts of at least three associations, volunteers and sponsors, some 200 youngsters enjoyed a basketball and football competition on the new basketball court in Sandy Ground on Tuesday night from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
It was the first major event held on the court since it was inaugurated last summer after a badly needed renovation. Due to corrections needed on the court however it was not fully available for play until November 2015.
Association SXM Sports for All was behind the initiative on Tuesday with the added assistance of Association Avenir de Jeunes et Moins Jeunes and the Let’s Do It Association and its President, Samuel Gumbs.
The youngsters were divided into two age groups, nine to 17 and 18 to 30. The basketball games were organised for three against three, with the younger children four against four. The soccer games were five against five for both age groups.
“The purpose behind this competition was to instil in the young people the values of respecting yourself, respecting others, respecting the law, and to behave in a civilised manner” noted SXM Sports for All President, Cédric André. “The discipline, respect and sportsmanship that is required in sports makes it a perfect example to demonstrate these values. We want to show kids the value of life, respect and hope.”
The event mobilised numerous volunteers and nine sports teachers. Also present were Director of Sports for the Collectivité Charles Henri-Palvair and Director of Youth Affairs (Service Jeunesse), Priscilla Bade.
The kids enjoyed refreshments and pizza afterwards, and prizes came in the form of gift vouchers offered by supermarkets, barber shop, and a motorbike/bicycle maintenance shop.
André disclosed a tourist couple was so impressed with the initiative that they gave $500 to the cause. Other sponsors included Club Orient, La Samannna, Sport Tech, Sunrise Supermarket, Best Supermarket, New City Supermarket, Pizza Hayo, Nissan, Apracing, and the Collectivité of St. Martin.
“Every three months there will be a competition here, and in the future we want to install a basketball school,” André added.
