Philipsburg, St. Maarten – On Sunday October 11th, 2015 the official opening ceremony was held at the Melford Hazel Sports Complex in Sucker Garden.
The opening ceremony started off with a wonderful march around the building lead by the Generation New Status Drum Band with all 4 clubs which are Bush Tea Remedy, Learning Unlimited, Lightning and Thunderz alongside the referees and table officials of LBC.
The program then started with a beautiful opening prayer by Pastor Brown, St. Maarten Anthem by Ms. Francia Adamus followed by speeches by our Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Mrs. Rita Bourne-Gumbs, Honorable Members of Parliament Ms. Silveria Jacobs, Ms. Tamara Leonard, Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams. These speeches were followed by Ms. Marcellina Loblack with her powerful speech about Breast Cancer awareness, speech by Ms. Mhakeda Shillingford of PEP (Patrol to Eradicate Pedophilia) and lastly a speech by President of Walichi Basketball Association Ms. Silvia Monte.
This year MP Hon. Silveria Jacobs took up the challenge to make a free throw shot to open the season alongside Walichi Basketball Association president & former basketball player Ms. Silvia Monte. They were both good sports and both made a shot to open the season while the crowd cheered them on.
Female artist SoloKween and a dance group lead by Tristan Defoe entertained with an energy packed performance which was well received by the crowd. Music was provided by DJ Guilder and DJ Alexandra. The MC for the event was reigning Ms. Mature Carnival Queen Norisa Richards.
The event ended with an exhibition game between the senior teams of Learning Unlimited and Lightning. The crowd was really into it which made for a very positive atmosphere for supporters and players alike. The halftime performance was a entertaining dance choreography by Dashaun Prince and Clifford Henry of NIA.
All in all, it was a great fun filled day and it wouldn’t have been possible without our sponsors the Kadaster, Leonard Enterprises NV, Sentinel Accountants & Consulting, Hvack Solutions, Heavenly Water, Twin Island Excursions NV, I Love SXM / Sign Triple 9, Cash 4 Gold & Silver, PSB Bank, Orco Bank and SXM Daily News.
Thank you to all who came out to the opening ceremony and we look forward to seeing everyone at the games every weekend at Melford Hazel on Sundays from 3-7pm (Senior) and every other Sunday the U13 games will be from 2-3pm followed by senior games (3-7pm). Entrance fee is $1, so see you next Sunday!!
