When athletes step onto the international stage, they don't just represent themselves—they represent an entire nation. Every color, symbol, and emblem becomes part of the country's story.
That's the vision behind the newly unveiled official Team Sint Maarten sports uniforms, a collaborative initiative between the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, the St. Maarten Sports Federation, and local designer Zillah Duzon-Hazel of Jolie Duzon.
The project introduces a unified visual identity for athletes representing Sint Maarten at regional and international competitions. More than athletic apparel, the uniforms serve as a symbol of national pride while showcasing the country's growing creative industry through locally inspired design.
Two distinct concepts were created. A ceremonial uniform celebrates Sint Maarten's cultural and natural heritage, while a travel uniform prominently features the national flag, ensuring Team Sint Maarten is instantly recognizable wherever it competes.
The designs incorporate meaningful symbols from across the island, including the brown pelican, yellow sage, the sunrise, sea foam, and the island's coral ecosystems. Together, these elements tell the story of Sint Maarten's environment, resilience, and unique identity. Embroidered throughout the design is the national motto, "Semper Pro Grediens"—Always Progressing—reflecting the determination and ambition that define the country's athletes.
Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten described the initiative as a powerful example of the Orange Economy in action, demonstrating how sports, tourism, and the creative sector can work together to strengthen Sint Maarten's international profile while creating opportunities for local talent.
Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa D. Gumbs said the uniforms will allow athletes from every sporting discipline to compete under one recognizable national identity, giving Team Sint Maarten a consistent and professional image on the regional and international stage.
For designer Zillah Duzon-Hazel, the project represents the realization of a lifelong ambition. She says every detail was inspired by her love for Sint Maarten, combining cultural and natural elements into a design that athletes can wear with confidence and pride around the world.
According to Naomi Korstanje, the introduction of the official tracksuits marks an important milestone in building a lasting Team Sint Maarten identity for current and future generations of athletes.
The initiative, which began in September 2024, demonstrates what can be achieved when government, sports organizations, and the creative community work toward a common goal. It also highlights the growing importance of investing in local designers and creative professionals, whose work contributes not only to culture but also to economic development and international recognition.
The new uniforms will make their competitive debut as Team Sint Maarten prepares for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. As athletes march behind the national flag, they will wear more than a tracksuit—they will wear a visual expression of the country's heritage, creativity, unity, and ambition, proudly carrying the spirit of Sint Maarten onto the world stage.