La Ruta Maya Tune Up And Hoops Highlight this week

Good evening Belizeans at home and abroad. I’m Shane Williams with another exciting edition of athletic performance we call Sports Monday. Canoe paddlers navigating dangerous waters, primary school footballers vying for a spot at nationals and hoopers of all ages highlight this week’s edition of Sports Monday. 

 

Thirty-eight canoes lined up on the banks of the Belize River on Saturday, February 28, for one of the top events on Belize’s sporting calendar, the Boom to Belize City Canoe Race. The race, which serves as a tune-up ahead of the La Ruta Maya River Challenge, is more than just a competition. It’s a proving ground. Paddlers test endurance, teamwork and strategy along a demanding stretch of river that has helped shape Belize’s canoe racing legacy.

 

We picked up the action in the village of Boom, where the pace was aggressive from the opening whistle. From the outset, the leading pack stayed tight, with crews jostling for position as they powered downstream. The race remained neck-and-neck heading toward Haulover Creek, where strategy began to play a decisive role. It was through the narrow stretch just after the Haulover Bridge that the real separation occurred. The tighter channel forced paddlers to choose their lines carefully and that’s where experience paid off.

 

By the time competitors approached the finish line at the Riverside Tavern in Belize City, the gap was undeniable. PACT Memory Lane Global broke away from the pack and crossed the finish line uncontested, delivering a commanding performance that signals strong form heading deeper into the season. Finishing second was Black Orchid Resort, followed by Exos Pool Supplies in third.  Rounding out the top five were Koop Sheet Metal in fourth and Teichroeb & Sons Wild sprinting to finish fifth. In the Masters category, “Ah De Ya Again” powered their way to first place, while “Hot Mamas” claimed top honors in the female category drawing cheers from supporters gathered along the riverside. With strong currents, strategic turns, and a decisive finish, Saturday’s Boom race once again underscored why canoe racing remains deeply rooted in Belize’s sporting culture.

 

It was championship weekend at the Pee Basketball Invitational Tournament, where some of the country’s youngest athletes showcased their talent, teamwork, and growing love for the game. In the Under-10 championship, Team MVP secured the title with an eighteen to nine victory over Hardrock. In the Under-13 division, Brotherhood captured the championship with a commanding twenty-nine to sixteen win over MPV. Brotherhood’s balanced scoring and disciplined defense proved too much in the final. And in the Under-15 championship game, fans were treated to the most thrilling contest of the tournament. Team Gonz edged out Brotherhood twenty-eight to twenty-six in a nail-biting finish, holding on in the final moments to lift the trophy. We spoke with tournament organizer Rumile Arana about why events like this are so important for the growth of basketball at the grassroots level.

 

Rumile Arana, Tournament Coordinator, PeeWee Basketball

“The children have showcased their talent really and truly. There have been a few good games. We have an impressive Gonz Auto Stars team that’s dominating the U-Fifteen right now. Earlier we had the Brotherhood of Ballers from Orange Walk that won the U-Thirteen competition. And we had the ABS Hardrock and MVP take part in the U-Ten competition. I call it medal Saturdays because everybody get their medals today. If you come in first or second in the U-Thirteen and U-Fifteen you get your medals. And our youngest participants the U-Ten, they get their medals as well, participation.”

 

Shane Williams

“What’s the most rewarding thing for you from organizing these types of events?”

 

Rumile Arana

“I’m satisfied because I feel a bit of an attachment to these children. We’ve been in operation since 2024 and I feel like Im seeing a bunch of young men and women grow up right in front of my eyes. So that’s the most satisfying part of the competition to me. Being able to give over a hundred kids almost every tournament, over a hundred kids the opportunity to showcase their talents and participate in basketball which they love.”

 

This past weekend in the National Elite Basketball League saw another slate of competitive matchups as teams begin to settle into the 2026 season. The action featured strong offensive performances, tight finishes, and shifts in the early standings. In a high-scoring affair at the UB Gymnasium in Belmopan, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks dominated the Belmopan Trojans on Friday night, rolling to a 106–85 win. The victory pushed the Sharks’ winning momentum and showcased their scoring depth as they continue to assert themselves among the league’s early contenders.

 

On the road, the Cayo Western Ballaz took down the Belize City Defenders 92–79 in a physical matchup in Cayo. The Ballaz balanced inside-outside scoring and capitalized on second-chance opportunities to secure the victory.  Over at the Orange Walk Complex, the Orange Walk Running Rebels held off a late push by the EZ Investments Griga Dream Ballers to claim a 67–64 win. The Rebels used gritty defense down the stretch to preserve their narrow lead and keep their early season record strong.

 

In primary school football, the Belize District champions have been decided following the District Finals held Thursday at Berger Field in Belize City. In the female division, Our Lady of Lourdes RC School captured the district title with a hard-fought one-nil victory over St. Ignatius RC School in the championship match. Asailee Young netted the lone goal to secure the win. In the male division, Wesley Upper Methodist School dominated the final, blanking St. Ignatius RC School five-nil to claim the district crown, with Tyron Guy leading the charge with two goals. With those victories, Our Lady of Lourdes RC School in the female category and Wesley Upper Methodist School in the male category will now represent the Belize District at the National Primary School Football Championship, set for March fifth and sixth in Belmopan. Good luck to all the student athletes as they take the national stage.

 

Well that’s all we have for you this week. I’m Shane Williams reminding you that friendly competition unites and balling is life so keep balling Belize!

 

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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