Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs & Sport, Ms. Silveria Jacobs, was at the Princess Juliana International Airport Wednesday to give a warm send-off to St. Maarten’s team for the All-Star International Tae Kwon do Open Tournament at Colorado Springs Resort and Convention Center, Orlando, USA.
It’s the first time Grand Master Theo Liu is taking a team to the United States to compete in this prestigious contest by invitation, and Minister Jacobs says all of St. Maarten should be proud of the team’s participation.
"I understand you have had some amazing results during completion on St. Maarten and overseas of the years and I wish every one of you much success and good sportsmanship," said Minister Jacobs in a brief address to the team members and their chaperones.
Grand Master Liu says 14 athletes aged from seven (7) to 18 and ranking from white belt with yellow stripe to black belt are included in the team.
He assured the Minister that the group has been training hard with extra practice and intend to make a good showing in Orlando.
Grand Master Liu further thanked all the sponsors who in one way or another made it possible for St. Maarten athletes to compete in this international event.
The St. Maarten Tae Kwon Do team consists of:
White belt with yellow stripe: Michael Arrindell (7), Ivyanne Louisa (11).
Yellow belts: Kairan George (11); Marijn Luijks (11).
Green belts: Joanne Berry (15); Malik Loor (8); Naomi Loor (10); Ian Soriano (13).
Blue blets: Malik Dupersoy (18); Naem Duperson (14); Lee-Ann Lui (13).
Red belts: Reuel Kerdijk (12)
Black belts: Roberto Patrick (16); Armani Aventurin (16).