WIB, MCB Curaçao partner with softball federation for girls’ development clinic

GREAT BAY--The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) and MCB Curaçao, in collaboration with the St. Maarten Baseball & Softball Federation (SMBSF), will host a two-day Softball Development Clinic for girls ages 10 to 18 on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026.

The clinic forms part of the organizations’ commitment to youth development and community well-being, with a focus on helping young athletes develop their skills, confidence and potential through sport. Approximately 50 girls are expected to participate.

The program will be led by experienced and certified softball coaches from WIB and MCB Curaçao, including Patrick Girigorie, together with local softball stakeholders. Sessions will combine practical instruction, drills, competitions and mentorship, covering defensive skills, pitching and base running.

Beyond technical development, participants will also be encouraged to build teamwork, discipline, leadership, resilience and self-confidence.

“Sport provides young people with more than an opportunity to develop athletic ability. It teaches them how to work with others, respond to challenges, remain committed and continue developing,” said Emilia Thomas, General Manager Customer Experience and ESG Representative at WIB.

“Through this clinic, we want to create a positive environment where young athletes can learn, build confidence and connect with others who share their passion for the game.”

The clinic will accommodate participants with different levels of experience, including newcomers to softball and athletes already involved in organized play.

An important part of the initiative will be the exchange of knowledge between visiting and local coaches. Local coaches and volunteers will have an opportunity to work alongside the experienced coaches from WIB and MCB Curaçao, supporting the transfer of practical knowledge and experience. The train-the-trainer approach is intended to contribute to the continued development of softball in St. Maarten and strengthen the foundation for nurturing young talent.  

The collaboration also reflects the regional connection between WIB and MCB Curaçao, bringing colleagues with specialized softball knowledge together to support youth development in St. Maarten.

For both institutions, the initiative is intended to go beyond financial support by contributing knowledge, expertise and time. Together with SMBSF, the organizations aim to create more opportunities for young female athletes to participate in sport, develop their abilities and build positive experiences on and off the field.

“The future of St. Maarten sits in our dugouts, on our fields, and in the hearts of our young athletes. When we invest in youth sports, we invest in confidence, opportunity, and hope. Every practice is a lesson, every game is a chance to grow, and every child deserves the opportunity to shine,” said Natasha Richardson, President of the St. Maarten Baseball and Softball Federation.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to register interested participants before the deadline, as spaces are limited.

Registration: https://form.jotform.com/262514225418049
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 12:00 noon
Information: bs.sxm@wbsc.org

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