SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) and MCB Curaçao, in collaboration with the St. Maarten Baseball & Softball Federation (SMBSF), are partnering to host a Softball Development Clinic for girls between the ages of 10 and 18 on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026.
The two-day clinic forms part of the organizations’ commitment to supporting youth development and community well-being by creating opportunities for young people to develop their skills, confidence and potential through sport.
Approximately 50 young female athletes are expected to participate in the clinic, which will be led by experienced and certified softball coaches from WIB and MCB Curaçao, including Patrick Girigorie, together with local softball stakeholders.
The program will combine practical instruction, drills, competitions and mentorship, with sessions covering key areas of the game, including defensive skills, pitching and base running. While technical development is central to the clinic, participants will also be encouraged to strengthen qualities that extend beyond the playing field, including teamwork, discipline, leadership, resilience and self-confidence.
“Sport provides young people with more than an opportunity to develop athletic ability. It teaches them how to work with others, respond to challenges, remain committed and continue developing,” said Emilia Thomas, General Manager Customer Experience and ESG Representative at WIB. “Through this clinic, we want to create a positive environment where young athletes can learn, build confidence and connect with others who share their passion for the game.”
The clinic will accommodate participants with varying levels of experience, providing an opportunity for both newcomers to softball and athletes already involved in organized play to learn and grow.
An important component of the initiative is the exchange of knowledge between visiting and local coaches. Local coaches and volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside the experienced coaches from WIB and MCB Curaçao, supporting the transfer of knowledge and practical experience. This train-the-trainer approach is intended to contribute to the continued development of softball in Sint Maarten and help strengthen the local foundation for nurturing young talent.
The collaboration also reflects the regional connection between WIB and MCB Curaçao, bringing colleagues with specialized softball knowledge together to support youth development in Sint Maarten.
For WIB and MCB Curaçao, the initiative represents an opportunity to contribute beyond financial support by sharing knowledge, expertise and time. Together with SMBSF, the organizations aim to help create more opportunities for young female athletes to participate in sport, develop their abilities and build positive experiences that can support them both on and off the field.
“The future of St. Maarten sits in our dugouts, on our fields, and in the hearts of our young athletes. When we invest in youth sports, we invest in confidence, opportunity, and hope. Every practice is a lesson, every game is a chance to grow, and every child deserves the opportunity to shine.” said Natasha Richardson, President, St. Maarten Baseball and Softball Federation
Parents and guardians are encouraged to register interested participants before the deadline, as spaces are limited.
Registration: https://form.jotform.com/262514225418049
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 12:00 noon
For registration and additional information, please contact the St. Maarten Baseball & Softball Federation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
