Gary Francisco, head coach of the Stann Creek Ecumenical Faculty (SCEC), the one highschool in Belize competing within the prestigious Penn Relays in Philadelphia, says he’s “thrilled” to be competing, for the fourth time this 12 months, within the Relays Carnival.
“This occasion holds immense significance for us, because it supplies a platform for our athletes to showcase their skills on a global stage,” Francisco instructed Caribbean Life solely on Thursday in regards to the meet that takes place from April 25-27 on the Franklin Discipline Stadium, College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
“For us, taking part within the Penn Relays isn’t just about competing; it’s about realizing a dream and uncovering athletic gems in Belize,” he added. “12 months after 12 months, we defy the chances and make our mark, demonstrating that expertise is aware of no boundaries. Our journey to the Penn Relays is a testomony to the dedication and exhausting work of our athletes, coaches and supporters again residence.”
Nonetheless, whereas their ardour and willpower drive them ahead, Franciso mentioned they can’t ignore the challenges they face as a college in Southern Belize.
“Restricted sources and minimal help usually hinder our efforts to totally develop our athletic program,” he mentioned. “As the pinnacle coach, I envision a future the place our program thrives, the place our athletes have entry to top-notch coaching amenities, gear and training.”
To attain this imaginative and prescient, Franciso urged potential sponsors and supporters to affix them of their mission.
“Your contribution could make a big affect within the lives of those younger athletes, offering them with alternatives they could by no means have dreamed of,” he mentioned. “Collectively, we are able to empower the subsequent technology of Belizean athletes and encourage hope inside our group.”
Franciso expressed “heartfelt gratitude” to Vincentian-born James Cordice and the Philadelphia-based Staff SVG Worldwide, Inc. for his or her “unwavering help over time”, stating that they’ve been “instrumental” of their journeys to the Penn Relays.
“From making certain our meals to offering transportation and hospitality, they’ve gone above and past to make our expertise unforgettable,” he mentioned. “We’re actually grateful for his or her generosity and kindness.
“As we gear up for one more thrilling chapter on the Penn Relays, we stock with us the hopes and goals of our total group,” he added. “Together with your help, we are able to proceed to defy expectations and pave the best way for a brighter future for Belizean athletics.”
Assistant coach and trainer Olivett Louise Ramos additionally instructed Caribbean Life on Thursday that she was “passionate about this nice journey.”
She mentioned a number of the athletes have been coaching for a whole 12 months, whereas others joined subsequently.
“The scholars are propelling me as a result of I at all times need what’s finest for them,” Ramos mentioned. “This can be a nice alternative for them to cement a greater future for themselves and their households by extension, pave the best way for different younger folks in our group, and exhibit how boundaries can nonetheless be damaged with many limitations. I’m going the additional mile for my college students.”
She disclosed that SCEC athletes had a “more difficult expertise final 12 months: The journey was very expensive; the one operating monitor is three hours away from our city; we arrived in Philadelphia lower than 24 hours earlier than their operating time; but our college students did their finest no matter any circumstances.”
This 12 months, Ramo mentioned: “We intensified the exercise and utilized extra of what’s available to us by way of amenities.
“We had a coach from town, who got here weekly to help with coaching,” she added. “The funding financially, bodily, morally and even health-wise has elevated to an ideal extent. All this was potential due to God, our athletes themselves, their households, Mr. James Cordice, our Ecumenical household, the coaches, the enterprise in our nation, and our group members.
“This 12 months, college students are much more ready, and it is going to be evident of their performances,” Ramos continued.
SCEC Principal Ray Adolphus Lawrence, Sr., instructed Caribbean Life that “the Penn Relays for us is a metaphor for the alternatives that await our student-athletes as soon as they persevere to the end line.
“Each competitor forward of them is symbolic of a reward they will seize if solely they push slightly tougher,” he mentioned. “The baton reminds us of the necessity to join with our brothers and sisters to share our data and expertise, and help one another, so that each one full the journey efficiently.”
Lawrence mentioned SCEC – situated in Dangriga City, Stann Creek District, Southern Belize – is “actually grateful to be afforded this chance to have our college students have interaction on this fantastic expertise.
“We sincerely thank Mr. James Cordice and SVG Worldwide Help, Inc. for his or her continued help and nice hospitality,” he mentioned.
“We’re additionally grateful to our native sponsors, mother and father of the athletes, and the varsity’s administration workforce for his or her help of initiatives just like the Penn Relays that promote sports activities as an financial automobile and developmental software,” Lawrence added.
Vincentian Olympian Brandon Valentine-Parris – who competed for the Thomas Saunders Secondary Faculty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines within the 2011 and 2012 Penn Relays – had encouraging phrases for the Belizean athletes.
He mentioned these video games have been “the preliminary flame that fueled my ardour for competitors.”
He mentioned they impressed him to pursue an athletic scholarship within the US, “which in the end led to a exceptional collegiate profession.”
“Changing into an Olympian, 11-time CIAA Champion, 15-time NCAA All-American, and NCAA champion have been all fruits of that preliminary involvement on the Penn Relays,” mentioned Valentine-Parris, head monitor & area coach at Woods Constitution Faculty in Chapel Hill, NC.
“Now, as a highschool head coach, I’m giving again to the game that formed me,” he added. “I’m extremely grateful for the unwavering help of fellow Vincentians, notably James Cordice, who supported me financially and mentally by means of faculty.
“My participation on the Penn Relays not solely formed my athletic future but additionally molded me into the particular person I’m as we speak as a proud Vincentian,” Valentine-Parris continued.
