PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten National Basketball Association (SXMNBA) held their second annual Basketball Camp. This camp was held from July 24th to August 2nd 2019 at the L.B Scott Sports Auditorium and catered to boys and girls ages 9 to 18. There were over 50 kids registered, including a delegation from neighboring island Saba. All participants were led under the coaching style of Mr. Joel Wooten head coach of Southeast Community College.
This was coach Wooten’s second visit to our island and he intends to return next year. Preparations are already underway for next year’s summer camp. It is worth mentioning that coach Wooten already has a few local boys from St. Maarten enrolled in his basketball program in the United States. Coach Wooten said he came here to share his knowledge and to train our youngsters. This also affords him the opportunity to scout young basketball talent. Every kid that participated saw improvement in their ability to jump, dribble, shoot and an overall improvement in their basketball skills.
We want to thank The Guardian Group Fatum for providing the SXMNBA with 100 reversible basketball jerseys. These jerseys will serve the SXMNBA well as they will be used for future tournaments, knock out and competitions. We would also like to thank Anish Chugani and Avantika Restaurant, The Island Government and Sports Department, Fantastic Waters for providing us with additional water for the duration of the camp, and to the parents for entrusting us with their kids.
The SXMNBA would also like to give a special thanks to Mr. Gordon St. Luce for connecting us with coach Joel Wooten.
The SXMNBA is looking forward to collaborating with more organizations in the future and urges others to jump on board for next year’s summer camp and other upcoming events.