SMSF Celebrates first Centro Caribe Sports Education opportunity in Sports Journalism

GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Sports Federation (SMSF) is marking another milestone in its commitment to strengthening the country’s sporting sector through education, capacity building and regional partnerships, following the participation of Latoya Lake of SXM Sports in a sports journalism training opportunity facilitated through Centro Caribe Sports.

Lake participated in the Basic Level Sports Journalism Course from June 4 to July 19, 2026. The virtual course was organized by the Centro Caribe Sports Education Center through CACSO Media and represents the first educational opportunity facilitated by SMSF through its Centro Caribe Sports affiliation specifically in the field of sports journalism and media development.

SMSF expects the opportunity to be the first of many as the Federation continues working to expand access to regional training, education and professional development for persons contributing to the growth of sport in St. Maarten.

SXM Sports was recommended and selected by SMSF in recognition of its continued dedication to promoting, documenting and showcasing sport across the country. The recommendation also reflects SMSF's confidence in the organization's professionalism, commitment to highlighting the stories of local athletes and sporting organizations, and investment in developing sports media.

The course was held every Tuesday and Thursday via Zoom and brought together approximately 35 participants from across Latin America and the Caribbean. Sessions were led by experienced sports journalists, communications specialists, professors and media professionals.

Training covered areas including sports journalism, broadcasting, sports communication, media relations, sponsorship, sports photography, media operations, event planning and journalistic ethics.

Participants were also required to complete practical assignments and media exercises aimed at strengthening professional, accurate and ethical sports coverage. Lake submitted her final essay on August 17 and is now awaiting the course's concluding presentation.

For SMSF, the opportunity goes beyond participation in a regional course. It forms part of the Federation's broader vision to rebuild, strengthen and modernize St. Maarten's sporting sector through investment in governance, safeguarding, policies and organizational development, as well as communications, branding, marketing, media development and the preservation of the country's sporting history.

Sport extends beyond medals and competition. Every athlete has a journey, every team has a story and every sporting event becomes part of the country's history. Strong sports journalism helps ensure that those moments are properly documented, shared with the public and preserved for future generations.

Through its Sport Unites Program, implemented in collaboration with the National Sports Institute (NSI), SMSF has developed a growing partnership with SXM Sports aimed at increasing the visibility of sport in St. Maarten.

Over the past year, SXM Sports has documented numerous sporting events, athlete stories, national-team send-offs and welcome-home ceremonies, Federation activities and, most recently, the 2026 SMSF General Assembly. Its work has contributed to bringing athletes, sporting organizations and national sporting developments closer to the wider community.

The organization's contribution also extends to youth development. SXM Sports has provided young people with opportunities to gain exposure and practical experience in photography, videography, broadcasting, journalism and digital storytelling.

By opening these pathways, the organization is helping young people and young adults explore careers and develop skills in sports journalism, photography, videography, broadcasting and digital content creation.

SMSF's communications development is also supported by Akilah Meulens of 1027 Digital, who has become an integral member of the Federation's rebranding, marketing, social media and communications team.

Meulens documented Team St. Maarten's participation at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, helping ensure that another important chapter in the country's sporting journey was professionally captured and shared with the public.

SXM Sports comprises six dedicated members: Dyllan Boston, DéSjaniah Lake, Alexsis Lennon, Jamal Newton, Nkechia Zaegers and Latoya Lake. Together, the team continues expanding local sports coverage through interviews, photography, videography, live-event broadcasting and digital storytelling, while creating opportunities for others interested in entering the field.

SMSF views Lake's participation in the Centro Caribe Sports course as the beginning of a longer-term investment in sports media development.

Through continued access to educational opportunities, stronger regional partnerships and investment in the people responsible for documenting sport, the Federation intends to help develop the next generation of sports journalists, photographers, videographers, broadcasters and communications professionals.

At the same time, SMSF remains committed to ensuring that the achievements, journeys and contributions of Team St. Maarten, its athletes and sporting organizations are documented and preserved as part of the country's sporting legacy.

Together, SMSF and its partners are working not only to build stronger sport, but also to preserve its history, celebrate its people, inspire future generations and strengthen the foundation for the continued development of sport in St. Maarten.

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