SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament (MP) Sjamira Roseburg, Vice Chair of the Committee of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS) and Faction Leader of URSM in Parliament, together with URSM Party President Brenda Brooks, has pledged US $500.00 to the 37ers, a Sint Maarten Little League baseball team, as an incentive to encourage the young athletes to continue pursuing their sporting ambitions.
The pledge follows the 37ers' outstanding performance at the sixth edition of the Aruba Baseball & Softball in Paradise 2026 tournament, which opened on October 12 at Kudawecha Stadium in Aruba.
The donation was a spontaneous decision. MP Roseburg and President Brooks happened to be on the same flight back from Curaçao as the 37ers, who were returning home from the tournament. Inspired by the players' enthusiasm and pride, the two decided on the spot to offer the team a financial incentive.
"Meeting these young men on that flight, you could see how much this tournament meant to them. We wanted to give them a small incentive to encourage them and help push them to the next level," MP Roseburg said. "Keep on pushing. Dream, believe, achieve. It will only get better. I have watched these boys grow and become stronger over the years, and they made Sint Maarten proud."
URSM President Brenda Brooks, a former volleyball player who represented the Netherlands Antilles on several occasions internationally, shared her personal connection to sports.
"As a former athlete who proudly represented the Netherlands Antilles and Sint Maarten abroad, I know firsthand the dedication, discipline and pride that come with representing your country. I was truly elated to see these young boys wearing their jerseys with their names proudly displayed, representing Sint Maarten. Sports have always been close to my heart, and I will continue to support our young athletes in every way possible. This small gesture is our way of encouraging them to keep striving for excellence. Investing in our youth through sports is investing in the future of Sint Maarten," Brooks stated.
The international tournament brought together more than 60 teams from countries including the Netherlands, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Anguilla, the United States, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. Competition ran across age categories from U9 to U20, as well as softball.
MP Roseburg called on the wider community to continue standing behind the 37ers. "Government must do its part, and alongside that, parents, businesses and the community can help our young athletes go even further. Together, we can make the difference," she said.
URSM congratulates the 37ers players, coaches, parents and volunteers on their dedication and achievements and wishes the team continued success in their future sporting endeavors.
