Belize Junior Athletic team off to Guatemala

While a lot of people are focusing on the start of the Semi-pro basketball finals tomorrow night, there are members of the sports world who are completely wrapped up in another endeavor. One they hope will show the region what Belize’s up and coming athletic stars can do. Arreini Palacio was at the City Center this morning for the send off of some of our young talent.

Gina Lovell, Age 16

“Aim for the gold.”

Is exactly what thirty-three junior athletes will be doing in Puerto Barrios Guatemala on Friday and Saturday. The Belize contingent to the Central American Junior Championships left this morning with high hopes and golden dreams. Their coach Fred Evans, is more than confident about his team.

Fred Evans, Coach

“I am impressed with quite a few of them and this could possibly be the best team that we have taken anywhere for this age group.”

The athletes, who range in age from fourteen to eighteen, have been working out at the National Stadium. They too have are looking forward to the competition.

Marco Castellanos, Age 17

“I am looking forward to the games. I need to make a good competition out there in Guatemala?we are getting a good training out here and I believe it is going to benefit us.”

Leonard Arnold, Age 18

“I say that they are going to get a gold because they try their best go to the gym, train everyday rain, cold, hot we train every day, very committed.”

Tracy Garnett, Age 14

“Every time I come out here I improve you know, and I was not as good as I am good now but I think I will succeed.”

And success to the coach means beating last year’s record of thirty-five medals.

Fred Evans

“I estimate thirty-nine or medals for the team with at least five gold medals in there.”

The team has a full schedule ahead of them. They left this morning and will take part in competitions beginning tomorrow and ending on Saturday. Arreini Palacio, for News Five.

The Junior Athletes are expected back in the country by Sunday.