The week of activities in celebration and commemoration of the Rights of the Child closed off on Saturday November 21st with the annual sports day.
Participants from Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, French St. Martin and Dutch St. Maarten participated in the various games consisting of; Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Track & Field, Soccer, Swimming, Netball and Cricket.
The total amount of participants which included athletes, coaches and referees numbered 465. There were also many volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure that the day was a success.
The opening ceremony kicked off at the Raoul Illidge Sports complex with a colorful parade of teams around the track led by the Generation New Status Drumband. Government officials from Anguilla: Deputy Governor Mr. Stanley Reed and Rollins of the Sports Department, from French St. Martin: Commissioner of Youth Mr. JeanDavid Richardson, Vice President Youth Territorial Council Mr. Joel Hamlet, Member of French Territorial Council Mr. Louis Mussington and from Dutch St.Maarten: Commissioner and Leader of Government Mr. William Marlin were present to address the participants and the large crowd of supporters.
The sports day is held every year to foster friendship between the children of the islands and winning is not the main objective even though winners do get bragging rights.
At the end of the event each participant was presented with a commemorative medal as a reminder of the event.
The sports day, which Commissioner of Youth Mr. Hyacinth Richardson was on hand to give the closing remarks, was a very festive one and it was enjoyed by all who participated including the supporters.
The Organizing Committee extends special thanks to the Island Government of St. Maarten, French St. Martin Collectivite, Manrique Capriles, Heavenly Water, TelCell, all Media Houses, Management of Raoul Illidge Sports complex, Foundation Upkeep Sports Facilities, Federation Antillean Youth Care, Belair Community Center, various Sporting Organizations and especially to the youth ambassadors, athletes, leaders, officials and supporters.