Many honors were bestowed on young Marion Jones, who was accompanied by her mother Marion (a Belizean) and brother Albert. Mayor David Fonseca presented her with the "key" to Belize City just shortly after her arrival. On Wednesday, her name was given to the national stadium now deemed the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. Barely losing her broad smiles over this, she was awarded that evening with the prestigious Order of Belize by Prime Minister Said Musa. She has also been named a Sports Ambassador for Belize.

    Marion has been visiting her mother's homeland since the age of eleven when they first visited her uncle in the Cayo District. She has made many return trips, most recently with her husband to visit her many family members here. Speaking of her past, Marion claimed her older brother was responsible for her initial running efforts as she had to run twice as hard to keep up with him. She credits her mother's love for her drive and determination. Marion's love for sports combined with a vigorous training schedule that keeps her busy more than four hours per day, six days a week, is the reason she has the strength to be a winner.

    Marion's itinerary in Belize led her to a number of schools throughout the districts in a few short days. She spent an impressive amount of time with Belize's youth encouraging them to believe in themselves and to keep trying. Asked about carrying Belize's flag in a live radio interview she stated that by being "half Belizean" she "wanted to show support for the Belizean in me." In a press conference before she left, she vowed her commitment to improve and support Belize's athletes in any way she could, even extending an invitation to visit her and attend meets. She stated this visit "will stand out in my memory as one of my best trips ever-" mostly because of the wonderful people, their support and friendly reception. Overwhelming.