Belize votes on location for next Central American Games

hilly martinez

And though Belize and Nicaragua are the only two countries who haven’t hosted the games, this is the second time that Belize is hosting the meetings of the executive committee.  According to the Secretary of the local Olympics Association, Hilly Martinez, a vote will be taken during the meeting to decide which country will host the Central American Games in 2013.

Hilly Martinez, Sec., Olympic Assn. of Belize

“Two countries are bidding for the next 2013 Games, which is Costa Rica and Panama. So Costa Rica brought in their Minister of Sports and Panama bring in some people from government because they need their government’s support to host the games.  Without that, absolutely no way they can host the games.  So they both have government representatives here.”

Marion Ali

“So there’ll be some competition as early as this weekend?”

Hilly Martinez

“Saturday is the big vote.”

Marion Ali

“As far as Belize is concerned though, what are some of the serious issues that we would like to see addressed?”

Hilly Martinez

“Actually there’s no serious issue.  What happened is because of the economic situation we’re all small countries.  Costa Rica has never hosted it.  The last games were to be held in San Pedro Sula Honduras but because of the political changes in Honduras they couldn’t host it so the games were busted up into Salvador and Panama.  Panama came in last minute and said they’ll host it.  So that’s the problem that we face in Central America.  Belize cannot host it because we do not have the facilities.”