Super Nationals Kicks Off And Defenders Take Finals Game 1
The Belize City Defenders land the first blow against the Running Rebels in the NEBL finals, Belize District Softball goes into round two and Derrick Charravia rides impressively in the US cycling circuit but first we bring to you a ceremony fitting for Belize’s best young athletes at Super Nationals.
Over six hundred of the most physically gifted Belizean teenagers marched into Belize City today to compete in the country’s first-ever Super Nationals Tournament. The event marks a major milestone for the National Sports Council, with Minister of State Devin Daly, widely regarded as a model student-athlete, leading today’s parade.
Devin Daly, Minister of State, Tourism, Youth and Sports
“This is what sports is all about, creating energy, showcasing the young people in their element and ultimately giving back to the sport.”
Shane Williams
“What do you hope Super National develop into?”
Devin Daly
“I hope it gets into something whereby we have commitments from across our ministries. We actually budget for it in the coming years. And ultimately, what we hope to get from this is that we hold the young people’s hand who are trying to do the right things, especially expressing that through sport. And ultimately, we pick the best of the best from these kinda tournaments and events to help support our national teams.”
The opening ceremony at the Civic featured various cultural performances, including traditional dancing and historic sporting exhibitions. The Super Nationals bring together intra-district rivals, sitting together, wearing the same colors and representing something bigger than their school and even themselves, their community. They also get to display their raw potential in front of top sports executives in the country.
Devin Daly
“I would not be here if it wasn’t for sports. Who would’ve thought somebody that came from Iguana Street Extension would may ascend to being one of thirty-one to lead this country today? And all that was possible through the help and the support of sports. So I won’t be here forever. Minister Mahler won’t be here forever. And ultimately, this is our future, so we’re investing in them.”
That investment is not in a competition. Super Nationals provides a platform for talent, a celebration of culture, and a pathway for developing the country’s next generation of athletic stars. The next great Belizean star athlete was very likely in the Belize Civic Center today at the first ever Belize Super Nationals.
ON CAM
Now let’s take a look at scores and top performances this past weekend.
The Belize City Defenders managed to hold off the tough and gritty Orange Walk Rebels in game one of the National Elite Basketball League Finals on Saturday. They defended the city behind an MVP like performance from Nigel “Hoop Kid” Jones. The score seventy-one to fifty-seven doesn’t tell just how close this one was and what kind of series hoops fans can look forward to.
In the Unified Belize District Softball fastpitch tournament, both games ended on final at bats on Friday night in Sandhill. In a back and forth opening game, it was the Belize Bank Lady Bulldogs who managed to erase a five to one deficit, overcome a costly late inning error and secure a walk off victory. In the male game, Wolfpack roared back late from a four to one deficit to win six to five in extra innings. The six other games in Sandhill and Lords Bank this weekend were non-competitive.
Before we wrap up, congratulations are in order for Belizean great Derrick Chavarriah for making the podium on two stages of the Baker City Cycling Classic this weekend. Chav finished third in a seventy-eight mile road race for stage one before winning the stage three criterium. We await the results of the 101 mile final stage road race but extend congratulations to Chavarria and Jaylen Briceno who is also performing extremely well. The future of Belize cycling shines blindingly bright.
That is all we have for you this week in Sports Monday brought to you by the National Sports Council of Belize. I’m Shane Williams reminding you that friendly competition unites and balling is life. So, keep balling Belize!