BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Dec. 9, 2021– On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, twenty-five young athletes along with their coaches were hosted at the Belize City Hall for an official handing over of signed copies of the 2008 book, Sports, Sin and Subversion, written by the well-known Belizean author and publisher, Evan X Hyde. In addition to this book, the sporting delegation received school bags, inside of which there were face masks, water bottles, composition books and other items. Mayor Bernard Wagner, Councillor Javier Castellanos, Councillor Kaya Cattouse (whose portfolio includes responsibility for youth and sports) and local basketball legend Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn”, who is also featured in the book, were all in attendance.

Sports, Sin and Subversion tells the story of sports in Belize through Hyde’s eyes, starting from the 1950s. The book educates readers on the local sporting landscape and sporting personalities of the time through first-hand accounts of events and key interactions between major sports figures. In his address to the young athletes, Mayor Bernard Wagner highlighted the purpose of the distribution of Hyde’s book. He said, “The book helps in reminding us of the true power of sports and how glorified our superstar athletes were in the past. You can be just like them.” Mayor Wagner encouraged the young athletes to stay connected to the Belizean athletes who came before them as they strive to excel in their own sporting journeys. He also emphasized that those who are truly passionate about their sporting discipline should allow themselves to begin to see careers in sports as a viable option as they plan their futures.

Among the twenty-five young athletes at the ceremony was 16-year-old Briah Clarke, a St. Catherine’s Academy student who is currently being trained by Coach Darwin “Puppy” Leslie. Following the event, Clarke told Amandala, “I’ve learned that not everyone is here to be working in the office or have regular jobs. If someone is passionate about playing sports, put in the work, work harder even when no one is watching, and when the opportunity arises, show what you’ve been working on all along. And never give up because hard work does pay off.” Clarke aspires to play basketball in the United States.

Both Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn and Councillor Kaya Cattouse, who was recently signed to a professional American women’s cycling team based in Los Angeles, spoke to the youths about the importance of consistency and honing their crafts. According to these athletes, that is what makes the difference.

Also in attendance at the event was basketball coach Linbert Moody, who trains U15 and U17 male athletes. In his view, “With hard work, dedication and support gathered, we can achieve greatness in our youth.”