St. Maarten U15 National Soccer team receiving their award for Best Overall Team from Government Sports Department Head, Janelle Richardson.
COLE BAY—Bodybuilder Maudienne Profas and Kickboxer Omar Marsham were named female and male athletes of the year at the 4th Annual Brown Pelican Sports Awards ceremony held in Port de Plaisance Sunday evening.
Their awards were presented to them by Interim Prime Minister Wycliffe Smith, who is Minister for Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, attending along with MPs Silveria Jacobs and Ardwell Irion. The annual sports awards highlight the many athletes, coaches and organisations who have made an impact on sports throughout the year.
The evening was also the occasion to recognize four cricket legends, a difficult choice for the Selection Committee who also gave an honourable mention to 15 other noteworthy cricket legends. The four legends selected for the awards were Blair Forde, Vance James Sr, Rupert Maynard, and Felix Flanders.
Chairman and CEO of NAGICO Imran McSood who could not be present was recognized for his contribution to cricket while NAGICO was named Best Sponsor, the award collected by Claims Manager Reynaldo Depeiza.
The Best Sports Innovation award went to Melissa Bardfield from St. Maarten Brazilian Ju Jitsu (SXM BJJ). Bardfield said her school not only trains talented kids but during the past three years has implemented a special needs programme for students with Downs Syndrome, Autism, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. There is also emphasis on being street safe, school safe, having the right attitude and learning life skills.
St. Maarten Football Association won Best Sports Organisation, the award collected by Sudesh “Johnny” Singh. Singh was back on stage later to receive the award for International Ambassador from Wendell Moore. Best Sporting School went to the Methodist Agogic Center High School.
Ronald Jacobs won the Sport Icon award presented by King Rumer. Guidare Burton was named Best Coach which tied in with the award for Best Overall Team which went to the St. Maarten U15 national soccer team.
Closing remarks were made by Head of the Government’s Sports department Janelle Richardson and President of St. Maarten Sports and Olympic Federation, Aartwichtg Bell. Gee Money hosted the ceremony.
