PHILIPSBURG--The St. Maarten delegation for the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Barranquilla, Columbia returned home as a satisfied crew.
The full lists of athletes who competed were Michaelangelo Bell in Judo, Shamar Thomas in Swimming (Butterfly and Freestyle), Wilfred Chittick in Cycling and Frits Bus in Sailing.
On Thursday afternoon at the Government Administration Building, the members of the delegation were on hand to give the results of their efforts at the CAC Games.
Director of Sports, Jonelle Richardson congratulated the full delegation and explained that the press conference was primarily to ”showcase and highlight” the team that went to the CAC Games. Richardson stated that Government is fully behind the St. Maarten athletes in their endeavor to succeed.
She then introduced President of the St. Maarten Sports and Olympic Federation, Aartwichgt Bell who presented the results in the absence of the liaison officer of the trip.
Michelangelo Bell who is nursing injuries to his fingers and knee lost his first fight to his opponent from Cuba because he was handicapped in his movements and offense.
Thomas did not advance from the heat stage in his two events. He placed sixth in the 50M Butterfly and eighth in the 50M Freestyle. The positive for Thomas was that he improved his individual time in both races. He told the gathering that that was the most pleasing aspect of the games and also the many people that he met.
Chittick had difficulty breathing during his cycling race and stopped after 22km. And Bus, the sailor, placed 13th in a race that featured 17 teams.
Each of the four athletes was presented with a Certificate of Participation from Chef de Mission, Kemmelie Paula. A trophy was also given for St. Maarten’s first time at the CAC Games.
The future plans for the St. Maarten athletes were passionately and thoroughly laid out by President Bell. The first plan is to get as many athletes for as many disciplines as possible ready for the 2023 Pan America Games in Santiago, Chile.
Bell is also hoping to have a forum with all stakeholders in order to inform them of the plans and projections for 2023. He also wants to see an upgrade in all sporting facilities and added facilities for sports on the island.
President Bell stated five areas that builds the pillars for success. They are Good Leadership, Good Governance, Good Practice, Dedication and Sacrifice.
Bell related that he was very satisfied with the results from the CAC Games.
