Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot Williams attended on Saturday the International Field & Track Meet at the Alberic Richards Stadium in Sandy Ground, that brought together over 170 athletes and participants.
The Prime Minister was one of the addressees including President of the Collectivite Hon. Alain Richardson. Both leaders welcomed local and visiting athletes and the general public.
The Prime Minister and the President stressed the importance of cooperation and unity between North and South in the area of sports and the importance of such an event for the island.
Wescot Williams was full of praise for the organizers and encouraged local athletes to go at it with passion and dedication.
"I encouraged the adults, especially those who lead and mold our youth – parents, coaches, teachers – to support our children in what they do and let them know that size does not matter, with the right attitude and support, "lil" Sint Maarten can produce great sportsmen and women," Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot Williams said on Monday.
Speedy Plus Club, an organization led by Calvin Bryan, an experienced and well known coach, hosted the event on May 5 with three events. Sint Maarten and St. Martin united and ran as one team and brought home several medals.
Athletes from these countries took part United States of America, Nigeria, Canada, and Jamaica. France competed on the professional level while on the regional level and local level, Jamaica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Trinidad & Tobago, and Anguilla, just to name a few competed on the aforementioned levels.
Both leaders took a brief moment to acknowledge the tragic aircraft accident that took place in the early morning hours of Saturday. Wescot and Richardson extended their condolences to the families of those who perished.
Both leaders were presented with a token of appreciation for the unity displayed.