SINT MAARTEN — The Sint Maarten Aquatic Federation (SMAF) organized an interactive nutrition workshop for athletes and their parents as part of preparations for the OECS Swimming Championships, taking place November 6–8, 2026, in Saint Lucia.
The session was facilitated by Cayley MacKay of Oxygen Matters, who is certified in nutrition and sports nutrition and has also provided CPR, first aid and water safety training to local swimming clubs. Through practical examples and discussion, participants explored how everyday food and hydration choices support growth, energy, training, recovery and competition performance for young athletes.
The workshop emphasized the shared responsibilities of athletes and parents. Athletes were encouraged to take an active role in their preparation, while parents gained practical guidance on supporting healthy eating and hydration habits at home and during competition.
Athletes also received a handout reinforcing the session’s key messages, including guidance on balanced meals, suitable snacks, hydration and fueling before and after swimming.
SMAF extends its appreciation to Cayley MacKay for an engaging and informative session and to the Sint Maarten Sports Federation (SMSF) for making funding available for this initiative.
The workshop forms part of SMAF’s broader efforts to prepare a delegation of 26 athletes—the largest number the federation has ever sent to a single championship—for the upcoming OECS Swimming Championships.
Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the team are invited to contact SMAF at sxmaquatics@gmail.com.
