On October 24, 2026, the Public Entity of Saba, through the Public Health & Sports Department, has taken an important step toward strengthening athletics development on the island with the signing of a collaboration agreement with the Royal Dutch Athletics Federation (Atletiekunie).
The agreement was signed by Commissioner Heyliger, representing the Public Entity of Saba, and Mr. Richard Jacobs, representing the Atletiekunie, at the Johan Cruyff Court on Saba.
The collaboration aims to support the continued development of athletics on Saba through cooperation, knowledge sharing, and engagement with local athletics programs and the wider community. It also creates key opportunities to strengthen support available to local coaches and promote active participation across the island.
During his visit, Mr. Jacobs met with representatives of the Public Health & Sports Department, local athletics coaches, and program coordinators. He also observed a regular Saturday training session at the Johan Cruyff Court, gaining firsthand insight into current athletics initiatives and the grassroots work taking place locally.
Eviton Heyliger, Commissioner of Sports, emphasized collaboration and long-term sports development on Saba:
“For a small island like Saba, collaboration is essential to creating greater opportunities for our young people. Sports play an important role in youth development, and as a government, we have a responsibility to create an environment where every young person has the opportunity to discover their potential, develop their talents, and pursue their goals.
Through this agreement with the Atletiekunie, we are taking an important step toward strengthening athletics on Saba. By supporting our local coaches, improving access to training and development opportunities, and building stronger partnerships, we can continue to create meaningful opportunities for our young athletes.
We recognize that advancing sports on Saba requires continued investment, cooperation, and a clear long-term vision. This partnership allows us to build on the work already being done within our community and lay a more sustainable foundation for future development.
Together with our local and regional partners, we remain committed to raising the standard of sports on Saba and creating lasting opportunities for generations of athletes to come.”
Erica Louden, Director of the Child Focus Foundation, highlighted the importance of the agreement for youth development and community empowerment:
“The Child Focus Foundation truly believes that it takes a village to raise a child, and the recent signing with the Atletiekunie is an encouraging development for athletics on Saba. It is our hope that through this collaboration we can create more opportunities that strengthen the support available to our young athletes.”
Kemaul Lee, Coordinator of The Spot Youth Center, underscored the value of the partnership for community programming and long-term athletic pathways:
“Joining forces with the Atletiekunie presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen athletics on Saba by giving our young people and coaches greater access to training, resources, and opportunities to learn and grow in the sport. This aligns with The Spot Youth Center’s wider goal of increasing meaningful participation in sports, supporting overall youth development, and nurturing athletes who aspire to compete at a higher level.”
For a small island like Saba, partnerships like this can broaden opportunities beyond our shores while strengthening what we offer at home—helping Saban youth build confidence, discipline, and teamwork, whether they participate for enjoyment or have ambitions to take athletics further.
Joelyn Robinson, Policy Advisor Sports, shared the importance of advancing athletics development on Saba, stating:
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our broader vision for sports on Saba. By partnering directly with the Atletiekunie, we provide our coaches with professional frameworks and technical guidance while creating safe, sustainable pathways for our young athletes. As an immediate next step, our coaches will embark on completing their Level 3 athletics coaching course from November 1st - May 16th, 2027.”
The Government of Saba recognizes the critical role sports development plays in community health and youth engagement. Through this collaboration, Saba seeks to solidify its athletics framework and build a sustainable foundation for the sport’s long-term growth.
The Public Health & Sports Department looks forward to building on this partnership in close coordination with the Atletiekunie, the Child Focus Foundation, The Spot Afterschool Clubs, and local sporting stakeholders across the island.
