L.I.U. Kicks Off 2023 Sprite Basketball Tournament

This afternoon at Lopez Mateo’s Park in Belize City, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Belize Police Department kicked off its annual basketball tournament.  Dubbed the William Dawson Sprite Basketball Tournament, the competition unites young men from various communities in Belize City and surrounding villages.  It is an initiative that was started by the Leadership Intervention Unit under late chairman William Dawson.  Today, the series of games kicked off in his honor.

Chester Williams

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I must say it must be such a glorious moment for the family of Mr. Dawson to see that this year is going to be the first year that this event is going to be hosted in his honor.  And yes, it gives us great pride and privilege to have been able to do so because Dawson was a very huge part of what we do within the police department and LIU.  I must also say that this is also the first year that the tournament is also coming as a program under LIU and so I want to give recognition to all those hardworking members of LIU.”

Kareem Musa

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“I think we don’t really understand the scope of this tournament and the impact that it has because there is a whole component that is attached to it, aside from just playing basketball which we all love.  Whenever a game ends, members from the Department of Youth Services, counselors, trainers meet up with the players for a life skills session afterwards.  I was able to sit in on one of those sessions last year and it was an incredible thing to witness, the counselors from the Community Rehab Department teaching our young men life skills, teaching our young men conflict resolution and management and how to communicate better with one another.  That is something so important and valuable and I know that that is something behind the scenes, but it truly goes to what the LIU represents which is a holistic, all-of-government approach that, like I said, was William’s vision and even though it’s a huge and proud moment for me to see this tournament today, he would loved to have been here.”