High-level sport is a real asset for territories on the economic and social levels. In recent years, several countries such as Israel or even Rwanda have used sport as a communication tool either to attract tourists or to change the negative discourse related to their destination. As for Jamaica, its popularity is not only linked to Bob Marley's reggae melodies but also to famous athletes who break records.
How will high performance sport contribute to the Friendly Island?
What is high performance sport?
High performance sport is about sporting excellence. According to the Ministry of Sports, high performance sport involves an athlete in the production of performances whose objective is to obtain results in reference competitions. There are well-established criteria and legal texts that allow to define and frame the latter.
What are the challenges of sporting excellence?
High level sport is a real asset and allows :
- the influence of the territory
- territorial attractiveness
- job creation
The influence of the territory
Aiming for sporting excellence and participating in high-level competitions are a means of communication and a form of promotion for the regions. Let's take the example of Jamaica. This Caribbean island is known for its high level sprinters who proudly wear the colors of the yellow, green and black flag on the track.
Usain Bolt who is no longer to be introduced, marked the spirits on August 16, 2016 at the World Championships in Berlin by becoming the fastest man in the world. Running 100m in 9''58 is the feat of the Jamaican that will earn him the nickname "lightning Bolt".
At the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, Jamaica won 12 medals, including 7 gold medals. These victories are those of an entire people, of an entire island. It is Jamaica as a whole that wins: it shines.
For St. Martin, the outreach will be from May 23 to 27, 2023 in Ajaccio, Corsica. For the first time, the Friendly Island will be represented at the island games. A pride and an opportunity to proudly carry the flag outside the territory.
Territorial attractiveness
Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, Rwanda's Minister of Sports, said in an interview with Le Point newspaper in May 2021: "Sports tourism is one of the sports sectors that has economic development potential for the country. "Indeed, this fast-growing African country organizes sporting events such as the Basketball Africa League, the Kigali International Peace Marathon and also the World Cycling Championships in 2025. Fans who are willing to travel to support their teams are the number one target for sports tourism.
There is another aspect, apart from the sports events, which is the tourist sports activities such as kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, etc..
The island of Saint-Martin does not lack resources to set up this type of activities. Indeed, we have several very attractive snorkeling spots, trails that allow you to discover the fauna and flora of the island and especially breathtaking panoramic views.
Job creation
Athletes are not the only ones involved in the high level branch. In order to achieve excellence, it is important that athletes are accompanied.
Technical trainers, physiotherapists, psychologists in some cases, nutritionists but also a team that will take care of communication and management.
Saint-Martin, which became an overseas collectivity in 2007, still depends on Guadeloupe for its sports. The objective of the CEES is to accompany the athletes in the making in order to increase their chances of integrating high level courses. The friendly island which attracts tourists all year round with its beaches and its relief has something to seduce with its future athletes and its future tourist sports activities.
