Athletes head for India for Commonwealth Youth Games

And while some are claiming medals in Central America, a delegation of Belizeans will be competing against thirteen hundred athletes from Commonwealth countries in the Third Youth Commonwealth Games organized by the body that comprises countries from the Caribbean, Asia and Africa. We caught up with the departing delegation and public relations officer for the local Olympics Association at the International Airport just as they boarded the first leg of their flight heading to India.

Owen “Sonny” Meighan, PR, Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Assn.
“The kids will be taking part in the third Commonwealth Youth Games. This time it’s in India; Pune. We have three athletes running and jumping and throwing the javelin and we have a tennis player under fourteen champion.”

Marleni Cuellar
“How long have you been competing?”

Shiffana Flowers, 200m and Triple Jump
“Probably about five or six years.”

Marleni Cuellar
“And how have you been preparing?”

Shiffana Flowers
“Well, some intense workout”

Evan Thompson, High Jump and Triple jump
“Since the past few months I have been training after school and practicing and going to Orange Walk to use their mat. Well, I feel pretty confident cause I know I could do it and my training give me extra confidence.”

Jared Cattouse, Tennis
“I’m excited. I’m just gonna try and enjoy the experience. It’s going to be a very nice, once in a lifetime experience.”

Arlen Pou, Javelin Throw
“I go to Marion Jones stadium and I train with my coach Mr. Evans.”

Marleni Cuellar
“How do you feel about going to the games?”

Arlen Pou
“Excited.”

Marleni Cuellar
“You think you’re gonna do well?”

Arlen Pou
“Yes ma’am.”

Marleni Cuellar
“Are you gonna bring back any medals?”

Arlen Pou
“Gold.”

Owen “Sonny” Meighan
“We are confident. These are our best young athletes we’ve chosen. Well, really their different disciplines have chosen them and we think they are going to do well. Hopefully bring back medals.”

The games will be held from the twelfth of October through to the eighteenth. The trip to India was sponsored by the Commonwealth Association.