St. Maarten Sports facilities took a hit with the passing of Hurricane Irma. The fence around most of sports fields and buildings were either blown down or just outright blew away.
The L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium lost some doors and was flooded. Part of the newly installed floor has been damaged.
The Melford Hazel Sport and recreation Center suffered a similar fate. At least one door is gone. The top frame around another door is missing and there is a hole in the roof. Water has penetrated under the floor tiles and the playing surface feels like you are walking on a sponge with water oozing out between the tiles.
Raoul Illidge Sport Complex lost parts of the roof over the stands. Two light posts have come down and the playing field is covered with small debris including pieces of wood, nails and screws.
The Tennis pavilion is a shambles. The courts, the tennis and basketball/netball facilities both need a good sweep and fence poles moved but are basically usable.
The Little League Ballpark lost a light pole. Some netting and roofing over the stands blew away. The scoreboard was taken out by a container and the new artificial grass outfield looks like a herd of really bad golfers played through without properly replacing their divots.
Although it looks like most of the facilities will not open soon, many sports organizations are not waiting. Even before the passing of Maria the Windward Islands Soccer Academy Foundation was preparing to resume training.
In a statement released on Facebook the foundation stated: “Devastation by a hurricane cannot and shall not put WISA off track. Our mind set and commitment towards developing our National Youth Soccer teams as well as our Social Programme aimed at increasing participation and talent recognition must continue. We owe that to our youths, our communities and ourselves.”
The statement continued, “Although almost all is lost, our fighting spirit remains strong, WISA remains alive and we are more than ever committed to continue with our Youth Soccer Development Programme.”
Reached by phone, Sandro Garcia, head coach of the foundation added, “as soon as Maria passes we will assess the damage and organize clean up teams.”
He added: “We will probably start on the basketball court at Raoul Illidge Sports Complex as the soccer pitch is being used by helicopters.”
Clean up is expected to begin this weekend.
The St. Maarten Little League is going to wait a week before making plans to start their annual School Baseball Tournament.
“Right now we are busy helping with the relief effort,” said Elmora Pantophlet from the league. The stadium was used as one of seven shelters for Hurricane Maria, and is currently serving as a water distribution point.
In the meantime the league’s Player Development, reading and baseball training program, started yesterday. Children can meet at the ballpark from 10:00am to noon Monday to Saturday.
Several children were seen playing tennis at Raoul Illidge Sports Complex on the soccer pitch.
Paul Bell and his 3x3 Basketball Program had been set to host the 2018 edition of the Antilles 3x3 Championships Final in May.
“Unfortunately, we won’t be able to showcase St. Maarten in all its glory. However, I believe that these trying times will allow us to display our true strength,” said Bell.
“We hope to hold a "Sigh of Relief" tournament prior to us resuming trainings, camps and of course our 3x3 activities,” said Bell.
