TLH-SXM Foundation and Skillz Academies, SSTC accommodated a group from Tallahassee here recently looking at the opportunities in sports, sports facilities development and sports tourism.
TLH-SXM Foundation in conjunction with Skillz Academies and the new St Maarten Sports Tourism Commission invited a USA Sports Group to St Maarten. The group consisted of Head Baseball Coach Mike Mcleod and Assistant Coach Angilo Nicolosi representing Tallahassee Community College (TCC) and CEO Mr. Charlie Hendricks representing Southeastern Fields Construction (SFC). Both parties came to St Maarten to explore opportunities in the sports sector from Nov 17th to Nov 21st.
The Coaching Staff of TCC came to the island to scout baseball talent for their College and saw young promising athletes under development. TCC Head Coach Mike Mcleod would like to offer scholarships to the St Maarten youth under the Sister City Agreement between St Maarten and City of Tallahassee. However, the 3 athletes they showed interest in were Randol Williams (21 yrs), Julio Myers(19 Yrs) and Jason Vasquese (19 yrs) who did not qualify academically at the moment to enter TCC. Due to the fact all 3 Collegiate Prospects have not completed their GED TEST at this point and time.
The group also did a presentation on Sports Facilities options for upgrading on St Maarten at the SSTC Public Speaker Panel meeting held at the John Larmonie Center Monday night on November 19th. The event had roughly 20 guest from the sports leadership sector, business community and media reporters. Mr. Arthur Lugisse was the moderator and Mr. Reggie Plaisir a Sports Tourism Consultant gave a Presentation on Sports Tourism Development for Country St Maarten during the offseason months along with Mr. Charlie Hendricks gave a spectacular presentation on Sports Facilities completed by his company.
After the presentations many questions were asked by invited guest and stakeholders regarding the Sports Tourism Concept niche market. The panelist consisting of Coach Mike Mcleod (TCC), Charlie Hendricks (SFC), Arturo Bute (Chamber of Commerce President) and Reggie Plaisir (SSTC President) Arthur Lugisse answered questions regarding Sports Tourism Concept.
The event was positive and all questions were discussed in detail. The SSTC main goals are to assist local Sports Cubs, Sports organizations; Sports Venues, Entrepreneurs and Event Rights Holders attract Small-Medium type Sports Tournaments to St Maarten during the months of May to November annually. All stakeholders would benefit via a revenue sharing concept such as room nights, land tour bookings, event fee’s, and marketing revenue per event. The SSTC is structured to benefit all residents of Country St Maarten as a niche industry directly or indirectly.
That’s why SSTC need cooperation with both private and public sectors in the creation of such a niche industry for Country St Maarten. Sports Tourism is a multibillion dollar niche market creating jobs, business opportunities and sustainable revenue generation during the offseason when the island needs it the most.
Reggie Plaisir, Assistant Coach Angilo Nicolosi and Head Baseball Coach Mike Mcleod and representing Tallahassee Community College (TCC) and local baseball youth
"The SSTC needs all hands on deck to make this a reality for Country St Maarten" Due the fact visitors will go shopping on Front & Back Streets, Eat in Restaurants, Rent Cars, Take Island Tours, Book Water Sports Activities, attend Music Festival Events, and Promote the island.
We also take this opportunity to thank those of you who helped in one way or the other to make this a reality: Honorable Minister Romeo Pantophlet – Deputy Prime Minister William Marlin- Bernard Hunt Sonesta Maho Beach Hotel and Casino – Obersi Group of Companies -The St.Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry- Paradise Car Rental – Elton Jones and Les Brown – Rudi Groman- Henri Brookson.
Looking forward to the ongoing Development of Sports Tourism in St.Maarten.