Philipsburg, St. Maarten (September 15, 2016) – In its inaugural year, the Presidente SXM Poker Run exceeded expectations, thanks to the overwhelming support of the participants, boating community and St Maarten / St Martin authorities. The three-day event got off to a joyful start with guests participating in the events beginning Friday, August 26th at Princess Casino for the Poker tournament, Buccaneer Beach Bar on Saturday the 27th & the Presidente SXM Poker Run that ended with a grand finale party at Yacht Club Port de Plaisance on Sunday August 28th.
For its first event, the Presidente SXM Poker Run came together and welcomed vessels from St. Maarten/St Martin, Anguilla, Martinique, USVI, BVI & St Barth while receiving visitors from additional neighboring islands to enjoy the festivities.
CC1 St. Maarten, Cadisco and Yacht Club Port de Plaisance came together to make this event happen, along with the organizing committee from the BVI Poker Run.
“Here at CC1 St. Maarten it was our goal from day one to put together an enjoyable experience for all the participants and guests. I truly believe we surpassed those expectations and look forward to next year’s event,” states Ard Mulder, Trade Marketing Coordinator for Presidente.
“I would characterize this event as a huge success, not only from an organizational and promotional point of view but to have over 35 boats participating with 57 hands sold in the first event is extremely rewarding. BVI Poker Run is extremely proud of our alliance with the Presidente SXM Poker Run” states Nick Willis, organizer and founder of the BVI Poker Run.
This year’s event was a fundraiser for the St Maarten Nature Foundation, dedicated to preserving the marine ecology of the island of St. Maarten. A total of $1,350.00 was donated to the foundation on behalf of the organizers of the Presidente SXM Poker Run which will help their education program already in place.
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2016 Presidente SXM Poker Run:
1 Stephane Biret (Boat: El Guapo) with a Three-of-a-Kind (Three 10’s)
2 Jean-Marie Rosemond (Boat: Red Zone 2) with a Two Pairs (Kings and Aces)
3 Sylvie Renelier (Boat: Presidente Fun Power Boat – Captain Joe Charters) with a Two Pairs (Aces and 5’s)
The Presidente SXM Poker Run board would like to thank the official “stops” for opening their venues to all our participants and spectators, Dreams Bar & Restaurant, Friar’s Bay Beach Café, Kontiki Beach and Walter Plantz Square & Melange Grill. The committee would also like to acknowledge all the resorts that welcomed our visiting guests and press, Commodore Suites, Simpson Bay Beach Resort, Le Beach Hotel, Mercure Hotel & Spa.
The Presidente SXM Poker Run would also like to thank the marketing agencies that helped make this event happen, JL Marketing and Beyond Limits. Thank you to Little Europe Jewelers, Island Water World, Sunset Beach Bar, Commodore Suites, Country Club Port de Plaisance and Buccaneer Beach Bar for their generous prize donations and support.
Both the French & Dutch authorities went above & beyond in assisting us with this event & we want to send special thanks to everyone that stepped in to make this a flawless occasion, including SNSM Sea & Rescue, the Coast Guard, the police & so many others, our heartfelt thanks to all of you!
Finally the Presidente SXM Poker Run would like to thank all its volunteers that worked so hard. Your joy, patience and personality made this event something truly special.
Preparations are already underway for next year’s Presidente SXM Poker Run; we look forward to seeing all of you in 2017!Congratulations to all the winners of the 2016 Pres
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