New Angles in Sports Broadcasting with James Adderley
James Adderley
The National Male Football Team can only be described as over achievers after posting a record 3 wins, 3 losses so far in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers. In fact, it is absolutely amazing how the nation has raised its expectations this time around. However, as far as the team goes, very little has changed. The F.F.B. continues to be the only source of sponsorship and it has become obvious that mush more financing is needed if we are to reach world class status. As a people, we must come together to support our players who are doing the best they can under these circumstances. Both the government and the private sector must join with the football federation to push our team to the next level. But football success is not cheap and it does not happen by accident. With Belize obviously not making it to the next round, it’s time for us to come up with concrete plans for the 2018 World Cup. In the meantime, Belize concludes play in the 1st round with 2 matches against St. Vincent that comes up on November 11th and 18th.
In other football news, we took in yesterday over 40 football at the MCC grounds as Plaza hosted Survivors. We’re some 21 minutes in when Norman Bommel braces Shadrick Gentle and then deals to Stanley Reneau who easily beats Bernard as Plaza takes a 1-zip lead. Plaza gets the chance to double the lead when Limbo Velasquez pushes this right foot at goal but this time Bernard O’gay is well positioned. A few minutes later, Limbo Velasquez exacts a sweet revenge with this right foot pinch that gives Plaza a 2-zip lead.
Midway through the 2nd half, Gentle hands the ball inside the 18 and the referee rules penalty. Up steps Larry Flowers for the conversion but is denied but goalkeeper O’gay who might not have known much about it. However, when Hazart Rowland tries to head to his keeper on this particular play, O’gay can’t come up with the possession which leads to the dreaded auto-goal for the 3-zip Plaza lead. Nevertheless, this corner kick by Survivors leads to a defensive hand ball that brings a penalty kick. The old veteran, Fabian Rivero, former teammate of mine, steps up and he easily beats Valentine Ferguson to get Survivors on the scoreboard in the 3-1 final score.
In track and field news, the expulsion of President Ian Gray from the Belize Amateur Athletics Association Saturday in a Special General Meeting at the Sylvestre Memorial Center came a shock to the nation especially with travel plans to the Pan Am Games at Mexico already set. Here is interim President, Deon Sutherland with the details
Deon Sutherland
Deon Sutherland, Interim President, BAAA
“We have been having some problems over the past twelve months with Mister Gray’s activities. The straw the broke the camel’s back was the selection of the Pan Am Athletes and officials and we decided as the managing committee that we must do something about that. The athletes when they heard about the selection they called us and said look; the coach that has been selected is not our senior coach and he has not worked with us over the months to prepare us for the Pan Am Games and we have a problem with that. We met with the athletes and they decided they want the original coach, Mister Fred Evans. We put that to Mister Gray and he was adamant that his selection is final and the athletes had no say on that.”
Kay-De Vaughn
Kay-De Vaughn, Athlete
“I will be competing in the triple jump. I expect to do really well; I’ve been training from last October for this event so I’m very excited. I am hoping for a P.R. and to even qualify for the finals. My personal best is 12.11 meters so I am hoping to jump anything above that. But I think 12.30 will definitely put me where I want to be. And I hopefully could be bringing home a medal.”
Tricia Flores, Athlete
Tricia Flores
“My record for the long jump is 5.97 meters and I’m hoping to jump over 6 meters which will also be a national record. So I’m hoping to do that at the games. I put in a lot of practice at the track and at the gym. I work very high in trying to jump as far as possible. In terms of medaling, I’m not quite sure about that, but I believe if I get a 6 meters jump, hopefully I can get a medal.”
Finally, the 2011 Brother’s Habet Team League of Table Tennis continues to roll inside the BES Auditorium. In fast and furious action yesterday, first division play saw Hurricane edge Luz in a sizzling 5-4 final score. And then Garage beat Hurricane 5-3. In 2nd division, Tallawah smashed Terminators 5-2, Fantastic Four crushed Jet Amp 5-1, Tallawah then made it 2 wins by thumping Turds 5-zip, B.D.F. Spin King prevcailed over Jet Amps 5-2, Fantastic Four dazzles Terminators 5-3 and Garage #2 burned BDF Spin King 5-4.
By the way folks, the date for the Sagitun Cycling Classic as presented by the BCA is now set for 27th November, 2011 at Independence. So stay tuned.
Jah Over all, I’m James Adderley.
