St. Kitts and Nevis athletes dominated the 5th Annual Amstel Bright Beach Volleyball Tournament in Sint Maarten, claiming both the Men’s and Women’s Open Championship titles on October 25-26.
Ekam Morten and Julian Bristol captured the Men’s Open crown, defeating St. Maarten’s Dual Threat team in the finals at Philipsburg Sports Park. The women’s division saw an equally impressive performance from Shajunee Gumbs and Shanella Harris, who topped the podium as “Power Duo.”
The milestone tournament drew teams from across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Guadeloupe, and St. Barths, competing in four divisions: Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, and Junior Under 16.
“The energy, the competition, the community support — it was everything we had hoped for and more,” said Jacob Streefkerk of the Sint Maarten Beach Volleyball Association. “Seeing so many teams, especially the balance between men’s and women’s divisions, was really inspiring.”
The weekend featured intense competition on the Philipsburg Boardwalk, with the crystal-clear Caribbean waters providing a stunning backdrop. Saturday night celebrations with DJ Ika and DJ Euro brought competitors and spectators together.
The sweep represents a significant achievement for St. Kitts and Nevis’ growing volleyball program, showcasing the federation’s athletic talent on the regional stage. Both championship teams competed against strong international competition to claim their victories.
The tournament organizers described the event as “a celebration of fitness, fun and island community spirit” that highlights how sports build communities while promoting physical and mental wellbeing.