Belizean College Basketball Student Encourages Belizean Youth to Pursue Sports

And in Diaspora news, a young man who is on a basketball scholarship at a university in California is encouraging other Belizean youth to pursue their sporting dreams. Arik Nicholas, from Punta Gorda Town, plays basketball for the University of the Antelope Valley in Lancaster. He shared his message of encouragement with News Five.

Arick Nicholas

Arick Nicholas, Basketball Player, UAV

“First of all, to be a Belizean is a blessing, so that is a upper right hand you have already. Second of all, you always gonna hear parents and people in Belize being like “Sports nuh weh pay you in Belize.” So if you want your talent go abroad you gotta put in the work from early. And the work which is easy cause you just gotta be great. Put in the work. What I gotta say to everyone, don’t let no one discourage you from saying that you can’t make it to America and play sports. America, school is looking for a lot of athletes. Belize has raw talent, so showcase your talent. Play. Put in your work. Have that strong mindset. Be determined. With all that you will be successful, just like I am right now.”

Before he got his scholarship to UAV, Nicholas attended Julian Cho Technical College in Toledo and spent a year in Mexico.