GREAT BAY--Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), Melissa Gumbs, has praised the outstanding achievements of St. Maarten’s young athletes in recent international competitions, declaring that the island has entered a new era in sports.
“We are no longer there to participate. We are there to win,” said Minister Gumbs, emphasizing that recent performances across basketball, softball, and track and field are proof of the island’s growing sporting strength and competitive spirit.
Over the past several weeks, St. Maarten’s athletes have not only represented the country with pride, but they have also made history.
Leading the charge was Performance Sports Academy (PSA), whose U18 boys basketball team claimed victory at the Boys in the Yard International Tournament held on the French side of the island. The team was crowned champions Sunday evening. Minister Gumbs extended heartfelt congratulations to Coach Omar and the entire PSA squad for their tireless dedication and high-level performance.
Meanwhile, St. Maarten’s U12 girls softball team has been proudly competing in Puerto Rico, narrowly losing a recent game by just one run. Minister Gumbs noted that the loss should be seen not as a setback but as evidence of significant progress. “Losing by one run shows growth, development, and commitment,” she said. “We’re watching something evolve here.”
“Softball is growing,” said the Minister, “and team sports take time. Chemistry, camaraderie, and consistency, these are the building blocks we’re seeing come to life.”
Perhaps the most electrifying achievement came from Dynamics Sporting Club and Lab Sports Academy, who returned from Curacao and Nicaragua with a jaw-dropping 49 medals. In Nicaragua, the team placed third overall in the boys U15 category, while in Curacao, they rose above competitors from 10 countries—including traditional track and field powerhouses like Jamaica, Trinidad, and Puerto Rico.
The historic highlight: Nahjah Wyatte won St. Maarten’s first-ever gold medal at the event in the U15 boys 1200m. “That moment was monumental,” said Minister Gumbs. “Out of 251 participants from 28 clubs, our athletes showed they belong at the top.” She also went on to publicly recognize and honor all medalists.
Minister Gumbs described this wave of success as the result of “focused coaching, discipline, and community investment.” She called on the public to support the ongoing development of sports by showing up at events and celebrating athletes when they return home. “Whether it's netball, basketball, softball, baseball, or track and field, these young people need to feel seen. If we want to keep this momentum going, it’s up to all of us.”
The Minister thanked members of the community who answered her call to welcome the returning athletes at the airport and expressed appreciation to Olga Mussington of SSSD for arranging a celebratory toast. She also acknowledged public calls for greater official recognition and promised to explore options for a formal celebration, pending logistical coordination with other ministries.
Looking ahead, Minister Gumbs expressed her intent to join future student-athlete delegations abroad, personally, if necessary. “If I have to travel at my own expense to be there for these kids, I will. Because showing up matters.”
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