Ticket Sport: a scheme supporting young people in Saint-Martin
From 6 to 31 July, young people are taking part in a range of sporting activities thanks to the Ticket Sport scheme. This initiative, run by the local authority, aims not only to introduce children to a wide variety of physical activities, but also to act as a bridge to the region’s sports clubs.
Throughout July, around a hundred young people are enjoying the Ticket Sport programme. Aged between 7 and 16, they are divided into five groups according to their age. “Every morning, we welcome them from 8 am at the Marigot Sports Hall and then arrange transport to the various venues where their activities take place,” explains Kévin Orville, project coordinator and head of the Ticket Sport programme. Surfing at Le Galion, beach tennis at Orient Bay, swimming at Grand Case, paintball at La Savane, tennis at Sandy Ground and sailing at Friar’s Bay – this year, sixteen different activities are on offer for the youngsters. For many children, these are new experiences, and the activities keep those who aren’t lucky enough to go on holiday occupied during the school holidays.
A local organisation serving everyone
In total, the Ticket Sport programme employs 21 young supervisors recruited through the Collectivité’s summer jobs scheme. This scheme recruits young people aged between 17 and 25 who are still in education, offering them a four-week paid work placement. From 8 am to 1 pm, they look after the children, whilst specialists from local clubs provide the technical instruction. Beyond sport, every young Saint-Martinois takes part in first-aid training with the Soualiga Support, Rescue and First Aid Association (SSASS). All children also sit the ‘Pass-nautique’, a test designed to assess their comfort in the water so that they can take part in water-based activities in complete safety. With a monthly fee of €80 for one child, €140 for two and €180 for three or more children, the Collectivité aims to keep the scheme accessible to all.
For the July 2026 session, the Collectivité has made 125 places available exclusively to resident children. Given the success of this scheme, the Sports Department is planning to run similar workshops during other school holiday periods.
