Marbles competition concludes in Belama
Today is the day that we handle sports on News 5… But it isn’t quite time for James Adderley. Late Friday afternoon Ann-Marie was sent out on the sports beat and while it wasn’t the NBA finals, the competition was no less real.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
It used to be a favourite pastime for many Belizean children, played both at home and at school. Today, the game of marbles is almost a thing of the past. Few children know to play it, let alone the intricacies of the game.
One woman in Belama, however, a former Miss Y, Rose Marie Smith ran a month-long tournament, not so much to teach the tricks of the trade, but…
Rose Marie Smith, Co-rdinator, Marble Tournament
“To teach them to focus, and sportsmanship and to learn how to get together according to the rules of the game and the rules that I set forward. I’ve had a wonderful time with them. When they started they didn’t like the rules, but in the middle of the tournament they realise that I do what I say, and they came out and they participated. Two were removed from the team because of disregard for what I said.”
The game started out with about two dozen children from the Belama Extension area of Belize City. However, the rules early on eliminated a few.
Rose Marie Smith
“Three late and you’re off the team. Two absent and you’re off the team. You cannot swear; you cannot call each other names. Good sportsmanship, even if someone cannot hit that marble, you don’t laugh, this is your friend, this is your brother, we’re here together.”
At the end of the final game Shaniqua Felix was named as the child who demonstrated the best sportsmanship.
Shaniqua Felix, Awarded Best Sportsmanship
“Because I never get vex or angry.”
Melkis Alex Silva was the overall winner. Freetown Area Representative Jorge Espat was on hand to present the prizes.
Melkis Alex Silva, Marble Champion
“I want to thank my mom and the principal one is Ms. Smith. I want to thank all the people in my group and the ones that got the trophies.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Where did you learn to play marbles?”
Melkis Alex Silva
“My aunt teach me.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Which one you like best, the chinchi, the taw, the big dobs?”
Melkis Alex Silva
“I like the chinchi, because they’re small and nobody can ketch me with it.”
Arilee Enriquez says it was enjoyable to have entered the competition.
Arilee Enriquez, Participant
“You have friends to talk to and you could spin better.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“And you came everyday. Why did you come everyday to play?”
Arilee Enriquez
“Because it’s fun.”
Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
