The 21st Central American and Caribbean games start tomorrow in the City of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Belize is sending 17 athletes to compete in 4 disciplines: Athletics, Cycling, Karate and Taekwondo.

The cycling delegation was the first to leave and they will represent at the opening ceremonies. We were able to catch up with the Belizean Team at the airport before they left. :....

Emaun Hyde "What are your hopes for the games?"

Perry Gibson
"We are entering into the male road race and the female time trial; we have two entries into the time trial. We are hopping basically to at the minimum try to get a medal. The idea is to try to get a medal. Which medal, that depends on the luck and the competition."

Gregory Lovell
"I expect good results. The races that are international are very fast."

Emaun Hyde
"Will you bring home a medal?"

Gregory Lovell
"Yeah."

Emaun Hyde
"Are you more excited or nervous?"

Gregory Lovell
"Well I'm not nervous, I'm a little excited. It's a Central American and Caribbean games, and I'm proud to do that."

Shalini Zabaneh
"You have to be mentally prepared, physically as well, but if you go there not believing in yourself then you've already lost."

Emaun Hyde
"Do you think that having support makes a difference in how well you perform?"

Shalini Zabaneh
"Always, you always need 100% support from everybody you know, and one negative person can bring you down, but you have to stay positive."

Emaun Hyde
"How does it feel representing your country?"

Shalini Zabaneh
"Oh, it's an honor. I love representing Belize, I love representing my country."

Shalini Zabaneh, will be the Belizean Flag Bearer. She is the three time National Road Champion and a Silver Medalist at the recently concluded Central American Games.

Athletes in the other discipline leave the country next week....

The games continue until August first.

Channel 7