Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs last Sunday was invited by the new board of the St. Maarten Baseball Association to assist in the opening and to give a speech including plans for moving sports forward.
Several veteran players were honored by the association such as Sam Jacobs, Manfred Cannegieter, St. Clair Vanterpool, Bernard Davis, Franklyn Vanterpool and many others.
Minister Jacobs commended the athletes both young and old for coming out and putting their all into a sport that was one of the main sports played on the island, which had produced several top players.
Thanks and appreciation was also given to the scorers and referees who help to make sure that the games are played and recorded.
Minister Jacobs outlined her vision and pledged to get the facilities the needed repairs and upgraded in order to facilitate training and local competition as well as to be able to host international competitions and games.
Minister Jacobs reminded the fans and supporters, athletes and other government officials that it would take a cooperative effort to get sports to the desired level here on St. Maarten.
The opening pitch was tossed by His Excellency Governor Hon. Drs. Eugene Holiday, while Health Minister Hon. Cornelius de Weever did the catching and Minister Hon. Silveria Jacobs stood ready to bat.
The St. Maarten baseball association pledged to start with an A-class division for the youth players over 16 years.