SMSF President Naomi Kortstanje & SMSF General Secretary Maria Collazos-Cotton (from Left to right) attending the XXII CANOC General Assembly in Turks & Caicos.
ST. MAARTEN — The St. Maarten Sports Federation (SMSF) participated in the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) General Assembly and Workshop held in Turks and Caicos on October 19 and 20. This reconnection, after a four-year gap, is set to catalyze SMSF’s plans for local sports development by granting access to crucial resources and strategic partnerships designed to advance sports across the Caribbean.
Although SMSF is not a National Olympic Committee or a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it plays a key role as the umbrella body for 25 national sports federations/associations on the island through its Associate Membership to CANOC and CENTRO CARIBE SPORTS. The SMSF delegation, led by President Naomi Korstanje and Secretary Maria Collazos-Cotton, engaged in impactful sessions that addressed essential themes in sports advancement. These included the opening remarks by CANOC President, Keith Joseph on the importance of Collaboration and Sustainable development, and a panel discussion on "From grassroots to elite: Building a Caribbean Legacy". A highlight was the panel discussion with sports Physiologists and Sports Physical Therapists, moderated by SMSF President Korstanje on "Athlete Mental Health and Wellbeing:
The cornerstone to excellence & beyond”. This discussion underscored and reaffirmed SMSF’s commitment to the well-being of local athletes and the importance of a holistic approach to sports development. In a pivotal step towards responsible sports management, SMSF signed on to the Sports for Climate Action Framework, affirming its commitment to eco-conscious practices that align with the CANOC Sustainability Action Plan which was approved in this General Assembly. SMSF is also focused on creating a unified National Sports Vision in partnership with it's membership, alongside the Department of Sports (DOS) and the National Sports Institute (NSI).
These organizations aim to foster a culture of fitness and sports in St. Maarten, aspiring to make health, movement, and sports an integral part of daily life and local culture. With foundational support from both public and private sectors, SMSF’s vision is to prepare St. Maarten athletes to achieve excellence on national and international stages. This renewed connection with CANOC opens doors for SMSF to leverage vital resources and partnerships in preparation for significant events such as the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games and the Caribbean Games. With CANOC’s support, SMSF is actively working toward Panam Sports affiliate membership, which would further extend its influence and opportunities for growth within the regional sports community.
