Top sports events for September
Most sports clubs and associations are organising open days and taster sessions throughout the month – often free of charge – to introduce people to their sports. A selection from the 32 clubs, associations, committees and leagues represented at the Sports Festival organised by the Local Authority last Saturday at the Marigot sports hall.
Now’s the time to make the most of it, ride the wave, get back in the saddle and seize the opportunity, to add another string to your bow, follow in the champions’ footsteps, go for the medals, strengthen your mind and body, and why not switch from one sport to another to bounce back, turn things round and… land a knockout blow on all your bad habits. There’s a wide range on offer and it can sometimes be hard to choose.
For water sports enthusiasts
A relatively new sport that’s gaining more and more followers, Longe-Côte can now be practised at two centres on the French side of the island. The JLCA (Je Longe la Côte aux Antilles) association is organising a free taster session on Saturday 12 September at Friar’s Bay (06 90 56 74 75). For the rest of the season, the association offers a monthly taster session at the start or end of the month. The Friendly Longe-Côte club, for its part, is offering two free introductory sessions: on Friday 11 September at Friar’s Bay and on Saturday 12 September at Grand Case (06 90 54 06 06).
Those who prefer to head out to sea can try their hand at sailing, with an open day at the Friar’s Bay Sailing Club on Saturday 12 September, open to children aged 7 and over (06 90 71 29 98). Please note that the association will be offering a new activity from mid-October: wingfoiling. There is a special rate for residents on all activities.
For fans of racket sports
Here too, there’s plenty of choice. The Friendly Padel Club is opening its courts on 12 September, from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm, with 30-minute slots to learn the basic rules and try out the sport (to book a slot: 06 90 66 14 98). This season, the club will be offering sessions specifically for children.
At the Saint Martin Island Tennis Club (TCSIM), the same applies on Saturday 12 September, with an even simpler set-up: no need to book, just turn up to give it a go.
On the sand, the KKO Beach Club is extending its programme throughout the month with open days every Saturday in September, from 2.30 pm to 4 pm, on Baie Orientale beach (06 90 54 22 48).
Badminton is also offering free taster sessions: throughout the month, the first session is free during Wednesday or Friday training sessions, at 6.30 pm for children and 7.30 pm for adults (06 90 66 77 37). Finally, in partnership with the Elloz association, it’s time for beach volleyball with an open week from 7 to 13 September (for ages 6 and over). Information and a link to register can be found on the association’s social media pages.
For ball enthusiasts
As for Soccer 5, the first session is free all year round. The club posts all its fixtures and information on Instagram. The same applies at FC Concordia, where the first session is free for newcomers. And the club isn’t limited to football, as it also has a cycling section (06 90 88 70 72 for football and 06 90 42 99 71 for cycling).
Children as young as three can get started with rugby at Archiball, with two free sessions in September before joining the rugby school (06 90 20 29 19). For women: 06 90 77 09 70 and for men: 06 30 23 93 78.
For gym enthusiasts
Those who prefer dumbbells to balls can head to Liberty Gym in Hope Estate, which is offering a four-week trial with no joining fee until 14 September. A new milestone will also be reached with the opening on 21 September of a second gym in Porto Cupecoy (the former casino). On offer: new weight training and cardio machines, as well as small-group classes limited to 14 people.
Looking for a different sport?
For a complete change of pace, the Archers de Saint-Martin welcome anyone wishing to try their hand at archery all year round, by appointment. Introductory sessions take place on Sunday mornings in Galisbay (06 90 63 92 23). At Hope Estate, Caribbean Karate Oyama also lets you try before you commit, with a free introductory session.
Finally, those who want to combine skill, coordination and choreography can give baton twirling a go. Three free taster sessions are available on Saturdays, from 9am to 12 noon, at the Marigot sports hall (06 90 32 34 30).
So, come September, there’ll be few excuses left for sitting on the sidelines.
