He may be new to the Ministry of Sports, but Minister Anthony Mahler isn’t wasting any time getting down to business. From day one, he promised big changes and today, during the 2025 budget debate, he doubled down on that promise. Minister Mahler laid out a bold vision: upgraded sports facilities, better training and pay for athletes, and a fresh leadership approach for youth and sports programs. It’s clear he’s aiming to turn potential into performance, and he’s bringing energy and ambition to the job. Here’s more from Minister Mahler on what’s ahead for sports in Belize.
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Youth and Sports
“This will take time and effort, but we will see marked improvements in years to come. In 2025 our investments will focus on improving athlete development programs, elite training and scholarship pathways, and improve school programs and district leagues to expand participation at the grassroots level. My program, Mundialito in Belize City is a testament to that. Upgrading and maintaining sporting facilities in all districts, developing a new sports policy and strategy, revamping the sports act, establishing a national advisory council that includes all federations and identifying creative ways to finance youth and sports initiatives in a sustainable way. I know first hand the importance of getting sports right to be able to provide an education for young people for better healthcare, because if we have a healthier nation we have a more productive nation, for national pride. When you see this flag you should beam with pride and we have to have a portion of our athletes be able earn a decent living from sports. We have established a new board of directors for the National Sports Council will competent people who are passionate about driving the sporting renaissance forward.”
