Official information received from the Interim President Deon Sutherland of the Belize Amateur Athletic Association indicates that Belize will be represented at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico by nine (9) athletes, five (5) males and four (4) females.
Those athletes and the individual events they will be performing in are:
MALES: Jason Jones – 400m; Jorge Jimenez – 200m; Kenneth Meadwood – 400m hurdle; Linsford Avila – high jump; Kenneth Brackett – long jump.
FEMALES: Charnelle Enriquez – 100m; Julia McCord – 200m; Tricia Flores – long jump; Kay De Vaughn – triple jump.
In addition, our athletes will also be representing Belize in the Male 4x100m Relay, Male 4x400m Relay, Female 4x100m Relay, and Female 4x400m Relay.
The track and field events where our athletes are participating will take place from Monday to Friday, October 24 to 28.
Notably absent from the list of athletes representing Belize is Central American Games gold medal winner in the 100m and 200m, Ms. Kaina Martinez. According to BAAA Interim President Deon Sutherland, the BAAA had been reluctant to make any definitive statement regarding the status of Kaina’s participation in the Pan Am Games, because they have been unable to make any direct contact with her, neither by email or telephone, since she has reportedly been undergoing intensive training at her new post with the Coastal Zone Management. The BAAA has received a letter from the Coastal Zone in regard to her training, but still no direct word from Kaina.
The coach of the Belize delegation in Guadalajara is Mr. Ernest Morris, and the Head of Mission is Mr. Albert Jones of the National Olympic Committee. Sutherland explained that Mr. Ian Gray’s name was already listed as head of delegation on the IAAF list in Guadalajara, but where the BAAA is concerned, following his expulsion from the BAAA on Saturday, he is no longer representing them.
Best wishes to our athletes at the Pan American Games, where no miracles are expected, as they will be competing against the best in hemisphere.