The Center of Excellence and Education through Sport (CEES) celebrated the young Saint-Martin athletes who distinguished themselves throughout the year at the "Rising Talents" ceremony on Saturday, June 27, at the Grand Case Beach Club. In the presence of CEES Board Chairman Marc Gérald Ménard, interim Vice-Rector Fanny Giausseran, and Prefect Cyrille Le Vély, 18 student-athletes were recognized for their achievements based on three criteria: academic excellence, athletic excellence, and civic excellence.
Established by the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, CEES supports young athletes in a dual pathway, combining academic success with high-level sports practice. Its ambition: to identify, support, and develop local talents, whether they are destined for a sports career or professions related to the sports sector.
During his speech, Marc Gérald Ménard highlighted "an essential word: will." He praised "the Collectivity's will to believe in its youth" as well as that of the CEES teams, who work "tirelessly, often behind the scenes," alongside educational and sports partners to support the territory's young talents.
The Award Winners
Academic Excellence: Gaelle Joseph (athletics), Kael Hanson (basketball), Margot Brunel (beach tennis), Ashtan Benitez (cycling), Ylann Romney (football), Chanel Rousseaux (gymnastics), Oscar Juhel (tennis), and Adam Gumbs (sailing).
Civic Excellence: Maelia Abogdjinou (athletics), Ethan Berlanger (basketball), Constant Monin (beach tennis), Ashtan Benitez (cycling), Akeelah Kunkins (football), Na'Omy Lejeune Charbonier (gymnastics), Noah Visnelda (tennis), and Saul Claus Laroche (sailing).
Athletic Excellence: Bianca Cabrera Parotte (athletics), Jonas Carty (basketball), Charlotte Claudel (beach tennis), Ashtan Benitez (cycling), Akeelah Kunkins (football), Chanel Rousseaux (gymnastics), Noah Visnelda (tennis), and Clément Lenormand (sailing).
The top honoree of the class is cyclist Ashtan Benitez, who distinguished himself in all three categories.
Source: Soualiga Post
