Belizean ballers injured in Costa Rica
A contingent of Belizean athletes is participating in thirteen sporting events in the Central American Games being held in San Jose, Costa Rica. So far the country has won medals in four disciplines including female softball, athletics, heptathlon and triple jump. But in basketball, the team, captained by veteran baller, Keith Acosta, has not been fairing well in the competition…so much so that in Thursday’s game against Nicaragua, Englebert Cherrington, injured his left knee during the first quarter of the game. Cherrington underwent emergency surgery and is recovering. But two other players, Acosta and Darwin Carter, have also suffered injuries, and it is not certain if they will be able to play in today’s game against El Salvador. Vice President of the Belize Basketball Federation, Charles Ellis, spoke of the recent unfortunate events.
Charles Ellis, Vice President, Belize Basketball Federation
Charles Ellis
“Our team was under-sized from the start and our only big man, Englebert Cherrington, who came down from Atlanta to play with us; about six (feet) seven (inches) [or six (feet) eight (inches)] he got his knee blown out last night and he won’t be available. He had to take a surgery last night to repair his knee. So we definitely won’t have him available. We have Keith Acosta who has a strained right calf I think and Darwin Carter is experiencing some trouble. But Keith and Darwin might play. I am not too sure right now. We have two more games to play; right now as we speak, we are playing against El Salvador and tomorrow we conclude against Costa Rica.”
Duane Moody
“What will become of his career? Will he be able to continue playing ball after this?”
Englebert Cherrington
Charles Ellis
“Well it is a bit too quick to say. We hope that something works out. I hope it is not a career ending injury. I will know a bit more later on when I speak to the head coach.”
Duane Moody
“What does this say for our team? With the injuries, we couldn’t afford something like that.”
Charles Ellis
“Well we are playing against two of the better teams now, so our chances are a little grim. But the guys have a little fight in them and they want to keep on playing. I must say though that we are expecting our team to do a lot with the very little resources that we have. It is very frustrating for us to want to advance in tournaments that we don’t even have a proper facility to play ball in and to have the necessary competitions. The last time we partake in Santo Domingo about two years ago, we did well. Cancun the year before, we did very well. But the countries around us haven’t stopped playing ball. We don’t have facilities in country here and we are not playing at a high level. So we are expecting a lot when we send our guys out there to partake in these tournaments.”
Ellis also took the time to extend the B.B.F.’s sincerest sympathizes to the family of Ronald Rivers, who was shot on March fourth and is clinging to life. Rivers was a member of the team and according to Ellis, would have been a part of the team competing in Costa Rica.
Sports will only improve after CLEAR policy/procedure is put in place regarding training. You do not train 1 or 2 months before a big game. Each practice game/session must be preceding by at least 20 minutes of warm up activity. Then 15 to 20 minutes “cool off” after each game. Forcing your body is good only for short term. I see our players arrive a a playing field with a guinnes or “those” cigars and step right unto the court and begin practicing. If we are going to to this let’s do it right. They owe it to their fans AND to their SPONSERS – SPONSERERS as they call them.
I feel especially bad for Cherrington, who sacrificed a lot to try to help his nation. Let’s pray for a full recovery.
Good luck to the remaining players, let’s hope they can regroup and play to their highest abilities.
Sad news…very sad news. I am hoping his injury is not career ending. But Englebert is an individual of strong will and determination. He is always optimistic and i am sure that he will recover against any odds as he has done many times. As a Belizean i am greatful for his sacrifice and service and i wish him a speedy recovery.
All the best to our national athletes as we are fully aware of the sacrifices they make and the token support they get in return from those whose responsibilities it is to provide and assist them to be the very best that they can be.
I hope that those injured will not now be turned out to pasture to just graze, as it were. International competition is like warfare and our Boys were injured in the line of duty hence the same courtesies afforded to our troops must be shown to our athletes. Period!
Come to think of it, they were not even being paid to go abroad and defend the honor of the Jewel.
I wish you all a speedy and complete recovery.