Countries around the world prepare their best athletes for years so that they can have the best team represent them at the Olympics. Well even though Belize does not have the years of preparation for its athletes, this year our country will have one of the best prepared teams it has had representing at the thirtieth Olympic Games to be held at London.
“At the London 2012 Olympic Games, our team will be the best prepared, best equipped, best supported and most ambitious team to represent our beautiful country ever. Team Belize is selected from a group of Olympic hopefuls across 10 different disciplines , for which have been training and competing for the chance to represent their country at London 2012,” stated the president of the Belize National Olympic Committee, The Hon. Mr. Edward Pitts. “Team Belize will be competing in four disciplines and our mission is to make Belize proud. It is our aim to give our Olympic hopefuls the best possible chance of success and we want every Belizean – where ever you are in the world – to follow them and interact with them on their journey.”
Representing Belize in the Olympics is Eddermys Sanchez; a naturalized Belizean who competed and won medals in martial arts tournaments between Belize and Mexico. Sanchez is being trained by a top level US judo coach and athlete in order to have some measure of preparedness for the high level of competition at the Olympics.
Also representing Belize is Andy Wigmore a naturalized Belizean who will part take in the Olympic Trap Shooting – this is the first time Belize has ever competed in this discipline. The sport requires exceptional concentration and reflexes. Each competitor shoots at a clay target that is propelled in different directions.
Belize will also participate in the Athletics discipline including the male 300 meter race, 100 meter race (female) and female heptathlon race (to mention a few). Kathy Sealy and Kenneth Medwood of the United Kingdom and United States and Belize Coast Guard, Kaina Martinez are part of the 15 athletes travelling to London.
The official delegates for the Olympic committee leave on July 21, 2012, for conferences and meetings prior to the games scheduled for the 27. Good Luck to Team Belize – Make us Proud!
Sharp Outfits for Belize Olympic Team made by Jeff Banks
Designer Jeff Banks and Team Belize Coach Andy Castle
Having created the uniforms for the winning bid committee in 2007 for Shanghai, Jeff Banks knows a thing or two about winning outfits. The Belize Olympic committee asked Jeff Banks to create their uniforms for the Olympic opening ceremony on July 27th, which will be watched by an estimated 1.5 billion people including some 700,000 Belizeans at home and abroad. They only have 15 competitors so we rank as the smallest nation at the games but are determined to stand out against some of the largest competitors in the world.
“I used the Great Gatsby as my inspiration with a modern touch reflecting the Belize Caribbean sprit” said Jeff. Both men and women will wear Gatsby style blazers in the country national blue with white contrast edging. The men will wear pleat fronted white flannel trousers while the ladies will be wearing white flannel skirts that just touch the knee. Shirts and blouses are in blue and white stripe Sea Island cotton with white collars and ties and scarves in blue white and red national colors. Yvette Jelfs in Scotland hand blocked the Panama hats for the men and Panama cloches for the ladies both trimmed in the national coolers. The blazers carry the national badge produced in gold plated wire by toy kenning & Spencer from Birmingham. One of the badges was recently presented to Prince Harry by chef-de mission, Mr. Owen Sonny Meighan on his recent visit to Belize.
Precious feet are protected by specialty made white nubuck leather shoes for both men and ladies. Jeff has gifted his work to the Belize nation in the Olympic spirit of co-operation.
Belizean Native to Carry Olympic Torch
Joel Hodgson 2012 Olympic Torch Bearer
In May of this year Ambergris Today reported that Belizean native, 24-year-old, Joel Hodgson will be carrying the Olympic Torch for the 2012 London games. Joel will carry the flame through The London Borough of Newham on Saturday, July 21, 2012. Click here to read more on Joel Hodgson.
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