PHILIPSBURG:--- The final softball game for the Emancipation Female Softball Knockout Tournament came to a successful close on Sunday 3rd July with a final game between the Spinnerz and the Sparks softball teams. Spectators looked on at the games, which included family and friends of the players from each participating team over the three-day tournament that started on the 30th of June last. There was a tough competition with the Argos SPINNERZ taking the championship at a score of 11 to 1. The win secured a cash prize of USD 1,500.- from It’s Time SXM Foundation, supported by the organizing committee members Tameka Lambert, Royanna Baly, Naomi Kortstanje, and Fabiana Beuperthuy. The third place score 12-2 was won by SURVIVORS over the JETS.
President of It’s Time SXM Foundation Ohndhae Cloyd Marlin: “Being part of the organizing foundations and sponsors that pushed forward to make this tournament a reality, I can say that the overall experience has been quite a positive one for all involved during the entire tournament. The Erwin “Baco” Richardson Little League Stadium bleachers were filled with softball fans and spectators from all walks of life – showing love for the game.”
The event did not only include games between the six female softball teams, (SPARKS, SPINNERZ, JETS, SURVIVORS, STATIA, and SCORPIANS) but also took the time to pay tribute to female and male softball legends who have passion for the sport and have continued to be strong pillars of encouragement to younger players for years. These 7 legends include Debbie Warner, Edna Letang-Baly, Elmora Pantophlet-Aventurin, Gertrude Richardson, Simone Gibs, Otillia Hoftijzer, Debbie Rombley and Marcus Levestone. Also in attendance were clients of the Sister Basilia Center, who were honored guests at the tournament, and were given an opportunity to look at the games under a special tent with complimentary food and drinks provided.
Mr. Marlin continued: “We are thankful to several organizations that provided exceptional donations, and volunteer hours in support of this event. Leading as main sponsors Oyster Bay Beach Resort, SXM Concrete, and the American University of St. Maarten, and additional support from: WIEMS for being on standby at every game to oversee any first aid medical assistance, food and drinks suppliers Kreative Juices Catering, McDonald’s, and CC1 St. Maarten; Sol Antilles, Color Rite Printers, Were the Flex, Obersi Group, St. Martin News Online, and SXM Little League Association. Also in support were St. Maarten Building Supplies (SBS), and Monster Factory. To the board of It’s Time SXM and volunteers, I say thank you very much, we have concluded another successful event that has not only meant support for the game and the respective teams receiving funding to continue forth, but more so, we have brought the games to the people and begun to revitalize the sport overall. A win, win situation for St. Maarten.”
Its Time SXM Foundation continues to lead by example under its theme for this year “Together We Can Achieve More.” During the tournament, various sports organizations approached It’s Time SXM to collaborate on future projects -putting minds together, the same way that this great tournament was accomplished to bring great joy to the people.