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.
Created by the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, the CEES supports young athletes in a dual-track program, combining academic success with high-level sports training. Its mission is to identify, support, and develop local talent, whether they are pursuing a career in sports or in sports-related professions.
In his speech, Marc Gérald Ménard highlighted "one essential word: determination." He praised "the Collectivity's determination 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 talent.
The 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 Agbodjinou (athletics), Ethan Berlanger (basketball), Constant Monin (beach tennis), Ashtan Benitez (cycling), Akeelah Hunkins (football), Na'Omy Le jeune Charbonnier (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 Hunkins (football), Chanel Rousseaux (gymnastics), Noah Visnelda (tennis), and Clément Le Normand (sailing).
The top student of the class is cyclist Ashtan Benitez, who distinguished himself in all three categories.
Source: Soualiga Post
