ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius--The Statia Government is welcoming professional baseball player and motivational speaker Kalian Sams to St. Eustatius for his first-ever visit to the island as part of the “Statia on the Map” initiative.
Sams, who has strong family roots in St. Eustatius, has built an international baseball career spanning 17 years. His career includes representing the Kingdom Team of the Netherlands and playing within several Major League Baseball organizations.
His first visit to Statia is focused on reconnecting with his roots, giving back to the community, inspiring young people and exploring opportunities to strengthen sports development on the island.
During his stay, Sams will meet with the Executive Council to discuss the vision behind Statia on the Map and the potential role he can play in supporting the island’s sporting ambitions.
Youth engagement will be a major part of the visit. Sams will address primary and secondary school pupils during motivational sessions under the theme “From Statia to the World.”
Drawing from his own career, he will share lessons on discipline, resilience, education, making positive choices and pursuing opportunities beyond the limitations young people may sometimes associate with growing up on a small island.
The program will also include discussions with the St. Eustatius Sports Facilities Foundation and local sports clubs.
Those engagements will focus on the current sports landscape, coaching and organizational development, facilities, athlete pathways and opportunities to connect Statian athletes with expertise and networks outside the island.
The visit is intended to extend beyond motivational activities and create a foundation for possible longer-term cooperation.
Government said Sams’ experience and international network could potentially contribute to mentorship, athlete development, coaching support, exposure and educational or sporting pathways for young people in St. Eustatius.
“Coming from a small island family background, your origin should never determine the size of a young person's ambition. Through Statia on the Map, we want our young people to see that with discipline, support, and opportunity, their talents can take them far while they remain proud of where they come from.” said Kalian Sams.
The Statia Government views sport as an important tool for the physical, social and mental development of young people.
Existing initiatives also aim to ensure that children can participate in sports regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Government said continued cooperation among schools, the Sports Facilities Foundation, sports organizations and other partners will remain important in building sustainable opportunities for young people.
Sams’ inaugural visit is also expected to help place St. Eustatius in a positive international spotlight, while celebrating a success story with Statian roots and encouraging the next generation to create their own.
