Belize officers say Stann Creek Ecumenical Faculty athletes demonstrated “outstanding resilience, grit, and coronary heart within the face of adversity” on the Penn Relays Carnival at Franklin Area Stadium, College of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia.
Gary Francisco and Erian Jang, head coach and assistant coach, respectively, of Stann Creek Ecumenical Faculty, a highschool in Belize, informed Caribbean Life on Sunday, Could 18, that the Belize male monitor group made a” historic look” on the prestigious Penn Relays in Philadelphia.
“Representing not solely their faculty, Stann Creek Ecumenical Faculty, but in addition the spirit and willpower of a complete nation, these younger athletes demonstrated outstanding resilience, grit, and coronary heart within the face of adversity,” they mentioned.
Francisco mentioned, because the group’s head coach and bodily training trainer, he was privileged to “information these boys by means of months of preparation and eventually accompany them on this unforgettable journey.
“Our objective in sharing this story isn’t just to spotlight their athletic achievements however to shine a light-weight on the character and braveness they displayed each on and off the monitor,” he mentioned.
Francisco mentioned the group’s journey, which started in Belize, took them by means of Cancun, Mexico, earlier than ultimately reaching america.
“This route, whereas extra economical, introduced sudden issues,” he mentioned. “A serious problem arose on the airport in Cancun, the place we encountered fee points that quickly jeopardized our journey plans.
“At that vital second, a Good Samaritan — whose title we could by no means know — stepped ahead and paid the required charges to make sure the group might proceed the journey,” Francisco added. “This act of kindness restored our hope and have become an emblem of the help that exists past borders.”
He mentioned the group comprised “a devoted group of younger males”: Kenrick Avila, Silas Leslie, Francis Arana, Camron Light, Cody Polanco, and Direl Salguero.
Francisco mentioned these athletes had “skilled for months below strenuous situations, pushing themselves bodily and mentally to signify Belize with honor on the worldwide stage.”
When he arrived in Philadelphia, he mentioned the group confronted “a unique form of problem—assembly primary wants after an extended and draining journey.
“We have been welcomed by type hosts of Mr. James Cordice, who supplied us with important hygiene provides and made certain the athletes had what they wanted to relaxation and recuperate earlier than competing,” mentioned Francisco, referring to the Vincentian-born coordinator of the Vincentian and Belizean groups on the Penn Relays. “Their generosity and hospitality is not going to be forgotten.”
Francisco mentioned the Belize group competed in two occasions on the Penn Relays: the 4x100m and 4x400m relay.
He mentioned the 4x100m group “delivered a outstanding efficiency, ending second of their warmth, which drew consideration and respect from coaches and spectators alike.
“The baton exchanges have been crisp, the tempo was fierce, and the group’s synergy was evident,” the top coach mentioned.
Within the 4x400m, he mentioned, “the boys gave every little thing they’d, pushing by means of bodily exhaustion and the stress of the second.”
Francisco mentioned whereas the boys positioned sixth in that warmth, “the outcome didn’t mirror their full potential,” stating that the race served as “a testomony to their willpower and resilience.”
The 4x100m group consisted of Direll Salguero, Francis Arana, Silas Leslie, and Camron Light (44:97).
The 4x400m group consisted of Cody Polanco, Francis Arana, Camron Light, and Silas Leslie (3:46.52), additionally in working order.
Francisco mentioned the group’s efficiency “marked an enchancment in each coordination and confidence” in comparison with earlier years.
In 2024, the group positioned 2nd after a snug lead within the 4X400m and 4th within the 4X100m.
“And to see that progress mirrored on a world monitor is deeply rewarding,” Francisco mentioned.
He mentioned the group’s spirit stood out most all through your entire expertise.
“Regardless of going through journey stress, restricted sources, and the load of nationwide expectations, the boys remained united, optimistic, and centered,” he mentioned. “They reminded us that success isn’t at all times measured in medals however in effort, perseverance, and pleasure.
“They skilled rigorously for months below difficult situations—weathering early mornings, balancing teachers and sustaining self-discipline,” he added. Their potential to take care of focus and carry one another throughout troublesome moments speaks volumes about their character.
“Behind each stride on the monitor was a community of people that stood firmly behind them,” Francisco continued. “The encouragement from the Stann Creek Ecumenical Faculty neighborhood – mother and father, academics, classmates, directors, and board of governors – supplied them with the motivation to push by means of every problem.”
Francisco and Jang mentioned they have been “proud to announce” that the group set a brand new nationwide faculty file throughout the 4×100 m relay.
“This milestone provides to their rising legacy and demonstrates the intense way forward for athletics in Belize,” they mentioned. “Tinheritor contributions went past the monitor. Whether or not by means of serving to each other, respecting fellow rivals, or participating with the worldwide neighborhood, they served as proud ambassadors for Belize.”
Francisco and Jang lamented that the ladies’ group was unable to take part this 12 months “resulting from logistical and monetary constraints.
“We hope to right that within the coming 12 months and guarantee full illustration from our college,” they mentioned. “Each athlete deserves the prospect to compete and develop from experiences like these.
“As coaches and mentors, we couldn’t be prouder of what these younger males achieved,” they added. “Their story is considered one of overcoming obstacles, pushing limits, and proudly carrying the Belizean flag on one of many world’s most famed phases.”
Francisco and Jang urged mother and father, alumni, sponsors, and leaders to “have fun these accomplishments and construct on them.
“Your help, encouragement, and funding are important to sustaining the success we’ve seen this 12 months,” they mentioned.
“To the group: your resilience, teamwork, and integrity are your best victories,” they added. “Could this be just the start of your journey towards greatness. Maintain coaching, maintain believing, and at all times carry Belize in your hearts.”
Olivett Ramos, a Stann Creek Ecumenical Faculty trainer, additionally informed Caribbean Life: “Since our college students are the long run, we should equip them with the perfect instruments, alternatives, and coaching doable to make sure that our future is shiny.
“Little question, our Belize is an incredible nation; nevertheless, our sources and alternatives are restricted, and therefore the explanation we give college students the power to excel extra,” Ramos added. “With the extraordinary curiosity and dedication to the betterment of this program, Mr. James Cordice, Dr. Jeremy Cayetano, Mr. Gary Francisco, Mrs. Erica Jang, Ms. Erian Jang, and Mrs. Tiffany Hernandez exceeded expectations to make sure our college students participated; their efforts are applauded.”
Dr. Cayetano, a former principal of Stann Creek Ecumenical Faculty, mentioned she “genuinely” believes that “each alternative afforded to our youth ought to be inspired and supported.
“I congratulate Stann Creek Ecumenical Excessive Faculty for persevering with to see the imaginative and prescient and for persevering with to encourage this superb alternative for worldwide competitors and worldwide publicity,” she informed Caribbean Life. “What our college students achieve from this expertise annually is way over could be taught to them within the classroom.
“I congratulate the scholars on putting second of their warmth. This reveals the extent of seriousness and dedication on their half. I can solely think about the work they put in to have achieved such an accolade at this prestigious occasion,” she added.
“I take my hat off to the one who was the catalyst for giving our youngsters this chance. I’ll at all times be grateful to Mr. James Cordice for the love and care he demonstrates for our youth,” Dr. Cayetano continued. “Our kids want extra advocates like Mr. Cordice to assist them obtain their targets and fulfill their potential.
“We sit up for even larger wins sooner or later,” she mentioned. “I encourage the Stann Creek Ecumenical Excessive Faculty to remain the course. The success of this system is a feather within the hat of the establishment. As soon as once more, congratulations to all who proceed to make it doable.”
