The delegation that left for the now cancelled championships.
PHILIPSBURG--The Dutch National U18 and U20 Championships which was scheduled to begin on Friday, June 26, have been cancelled due to expected extremely high temperatures, with organisers and the Dutch Athletics Federation citing concerns for the safety and well-being of participants, volunteers and spectators.
Team St. Maarten departed for the Netherlands on Sunday, June 21, to compete in the three-day athletics competition. Athletes Nahjah Wyatte Muñoz and Carlos Brison Cainez travelled to represent St. Maarten and they were accompanied by National Coach Abdule Wattley and Nessiah Wyatte Muñoz, twin brother of Nahjah Wyatte Muñoz, who went as a spectator and to provide moral support.
In a message to athletes, parents and supervisors, organisers said the Dutch Athletics Federation had concluded that it would not be responsible to allow the championships to proceed under the expected weather conditions.
“As you know, very high temperatures are expected this coming weekend. Despite the extra measures we have taken, the Dutch Athletics Federation has concluded that it is not responsible to let the National Championships go ahead under these circumstances.”
Organisers said the decision was made because “The safety and well-being of participants, volunteers, and spectators are paramount. Therefore, it has been decided to cancel the entire National Championships. We fully agree with this decision and support it.”
The organisers acknowledged that the cancellation would be a major disappointment for participants and described the decision as a difficult one given the extensive preparations that had already taken place. “We realise that this is a great disappointment for the participants. This is also a difficult decision for us, especially given all the time and effort that has gone into the preparation.”
The organisation said it sympathises with everyone who had worked toward the event and stressed that the welfare of athletes, volunteers and spectators remains the top priority.
“We sympathise with everyone who has worked hard towards this. That is precisely why we want to emphasise that the well-being of you as athletes, as well as that of the volunteers and spectators, always comes first.”
Organisers said they are now working with the Dutch Athletics Federation to determine whether the championships can be held later this year. “Together with the Dutch Athletics Federation, we are investigating whether the National Championships could still take place later in the year.”
They said participants will be informed as soon as a decision is made regarding a possible new date. “Should this be the case, we hope to be able to count on your participation again. As soon as there is clarity on this matter, we will communicate it.”
