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World Down Syndrome Day

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Athletics past and present – Gilbert Sebastian “Sabé” Nunez

SportsAthletics past and present - Gilbert Sebastian “Sabé” Nunez

BELIZE CITY, Wed. Feb. 11, 2015–An extraordinary and great personality is the best way to describe this remarkable person, known to all as “Sabé’,” but Mr. Gilbert Nunez is his real name. He got his running origins back in school days at St. Joseph Primary School in a 6-mile race at a school competition held at the Roger’s Stadium; but it was not until years later, while in the States, that he got serious about it and took up the challenge.

He stated that in Harlem, while he and some friends were watching the annual New York Marathon passing, he saw all types of people from all countries and cultures, but to his dismay, no Belizean. That’s when he decided to workout hard to represent his country, so he joined a running club called Youths Function, based in Staten Island and worked out with them. Mr. Ralph Stuart was the man running the club at the time. He spent 6 years with the club and ran the New York Marathon 3 consecutive years.

Mr. Nunez finally returned home in 1991 and when he came back, he came back with the intention to help out the youths of the country. He started a series of basketball tournaments, giving out prizes and trophies. He did this by his connections in the States for sponsorship. Thereafter, he met Mr. Ian Gray, who encouraged him to get back into the running and to run some local races. In 1992 he ran his first race home, which was the annual BDF Half-Marathon and he is still running up to now. His last race was the Placencia Half-Marathon, held in December of last year. He placed first in the Masters 60+ category and is planning to run the Bob Lightburn Half-Marathon Classic, to be held on Holy Saturday, April 4.

His greatest rivals through the years have been Louis Haulze, “Journey” and Ernesto Reid, but mostly Haulze, whom he says he wants to beat in this upcoming race.

I asked what his workout is like. He does his runs in the “sun hot,” between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m., and he does around 8 miles or more. Sleep good, eat well and take care of your body, that is the key to healthy living, he advises everyone. At 61, he can do it; so anyone can. He says to all the youths out there, respect your parents, teachers, everyone and pray. Without God you have nothing and crime does not pay.

I want to say Thank You, Mr. Nunez, for your great contributions to running, helping youths and a great friend of mine. For those of you who do not know, Mr. Nunez is a certified sports massage therapist. He went to school over there in the States got certification from there; and with that gift, he helps a lot of people and athletes who got injured or have sports related problems.

All the best to you and thank you all for reading, Peace and Love, until next week! Have a safe and healthy week!

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