SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Special Olympics St. Maarten proudly celebrates the outstanding athletic ability, of its athletes at two major regional competitions in November 2025, while preparing to host the 2027 Special Olympics Kingdom Games.
From November 12–16, 2025, in Guadeloupe, the St. Maarten delegation made its debut in the first-ever Unified 3x3 Basketball Tournament, competing against teams from Jamaica and other regional territories.
The athletes, Tahnicio Peterson, Quincy Martes, Joel Carty, Mikheal Lake, and Eli Bruno, delivered an exceptional performance, capturing five gold medals under the leadership of Coaches Mr. Paul Bell and Mr. Franklyn Carty Jr., with Mr. Franklyn Carty serving as Head of Delegation.
Just days later, from November 20–24, 2025, another delegation of 11 traveled to Curaçao to participate in the Special Olympics Kingdom Games, organized by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and the Special Olympics International Events Foundation (SOIE), in partnership with Special Olympics North America, the Caribbean Initiative, Think Ahead, and Special Olympics International.
Team St. Maarten excelled, proudly returning home with 10 medals in swimming and bocce:
Swimming – Breaststroke & Freestyle
- Holdson Jean-Fort– 2 Gold
- Mikael Alexander– 2 Silver
- Jarrell Brooks– 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
- Anna Willemijn Verloop– 1 Gold, 1 Silver
Bocce (Doubles)
- Milinda Sponsper– Gold
- Marijke Richardson– Gold
A defining highlight of the games in Curaçao was the official Passing of the Torch Ceremony. In a symbolic and historic moment, the Curaçao organizing team officially handed the 2027 Kingdom Games Torch to St. Maarten, confirming the island as the next host. Representing St. Maarten in this moment of pride was athlete Anna Willemijn Verloop.
National Director Ms. Sharon Cangieter expressed deep gratitude to WINAIR for its continued support and sponsorship of the athletes’ travel. Cangieter also extended appreciation to the Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Melissa Gumbs, for endorsing St. Maarten as the 2027 host, and to all collaborating partners who will play a vital role in bringing the Games to life.
“We are proud of our athletes’ achievements and honored to host the 2027 Special Olympics Kingdom Games. We look forward to welcoming Kingdom partners and Caribbean neighbors to St. Maarten for a celebration of inclusion, ability, and national pride.”
St. Maarten athlete Anna Willemijn Verloop accepting the Kingdom Games Torch.
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