Belize Welcomes Central American Games Torch with Largest Team Ever

The Central American Games torch lit up Belize City this weekend, as it made its way to the Belize Olympic House. The flame was welcomed with a special ceremony where athletes who will represent Belize at the 2025 Games were also introduced. This is no ordinary torch. It began its journey in Panama and has already passed through several Central American countries before arriving in Belize, and it is now heading over to Peten, Guatemala, where the games are being hosted. Belize is also marking a milestone of its own. This year, we are sending our largest delegation ever, with one hundred and forty athletes competing in nineteen disciplines, along with officials, bringing the team to nearly one hundred and eighty strong. Chief of Mission, Herman Pastor Junior, says the torch is more than just fire; it’s a symbol of unity and pride in sport.

 

Herman Pastor Jr., Chief of Mission, Team Belize

“The games will be one of the largest Central American Games so far because Guatemala will be hosting thirty-four different disciplines compared to nineteen disciplines in our last Central American Games that was hosted in Nicaragua in 2018. Belize is taking its largest contingent so far for the Central American Games. We are participating in nineteen disciplines, and we are also taking one hundred and forty athletes along with officials. So, our contingent will be almost one hundred and eighty strong.”

 

Reporter

“Lastly, sir, we want to talk about the symbolism here. What does the torch represent for us?”

 

Herman Pastor Jr,

“The torch represents unity through sports. That’s it. Unity through sports.”