The Belize Games got underway in Belize City with official opening ceremonies at the MCC Grounds Saturday Night. The games will feature all the regular sporting events and some not so "regular" like pistol shooting, dominoes and the like. The first gold medal of the games went to Ariel Rosado who yesterday afternoon edged out Quinton "the baddest" Hamilton in a 70 mile road race. The race ended at the Marion Jones Sports Complex and had six of Belize's best cyclists in a sprint to the finish. Hamilton led the sprint by a wheel up to 3 yards before the tape then in celebration raised his hands and Ariel responded by going around and beating Hamilton in a photo finish. The officials had to review the tape before giving the final decision. Rosado should have been in Guatemala now representing Belize in the Under 23 Tour de Guatemala but last week the Guatemalan Cycling Federation informed the Belize Cycling Association that Rosado would not be allowed to participate in the tour because he was too young. International Cycling Rules define Under 23 as being 19-22 years old - Ariel just turned 18 this year.Latest reports from Guatemala are that Shane Vasquez of Belize placed third in the first stage of the race behind a Guatemalan and a Costa Rican.

Hi Marty: Everyone seems to be at the surface lately, and I'd like to asure you that YOUR efforts are apprechiated. Its funny how such a laid back place like San Pedro creates such emotion. I read that you had played a little soccer, so I'd assume that your back is better. Take care: Bill PS. I thought that the "Coconut Shell Cup" thread was really close to "da line".

oohhh.....i really want to go there and teach gymnastics....to have the first olympic Belizean gymnast would be a dream. Do you know if there is any kind of facility inland that teaches the sport???

Plenty of parallel bars on front street. I don't know of any gymnastic programs are in Belize, but I'd agree with ya, it would be great.