While most students enjoyed their Easter Vacation by going to the beach and spending time with their families, the San Pedro High School (SPHS) volleyball and basketball teams, along with a host of SPHS teachers travelled to Jacksonville, North Carolina, USA to participate in a sports exchange program.
The trip, which lasted nine days, gave students the opportunity to participate in sports competitions with volleyball and basketball teams from Northside High School. The unique opportunity gave the students the experience of playing in a professional facility, while participating in practice sessions together, exchanging training and tactic tips to improve their skills.
According to Athletics Director Paul Kelly, the trip was very beneficial for the teams and he expects to see an improvement in the teams in the upcoming basketball and volleyball seasons. “Our students interacted well and learned a lot from the students of Northside. I believe that the sports exchange program was a true success because the gain was exponential and a relationship was created between the two schools,” said Kelly.
But the trip wasn’t all about sports, the students and teachers also had the chance to go sightseeing at iconic places such as The USS North Carolina Battleship, located in Wilmington, North Carolina and visit the nation’s capital, Washington DC. The students and teacher definitely had the experience of a life time, including meeting professional National Basketball Association star athlete, Ray Allen. “It was an amazing trip, I am glad I was part of it,” said Afrie Black, member of SPHS basketball team. Member of the SPHS volleyball team, Gabriel Nuñez commented, “It was a very exciting trip and great experience. I am very proud of both teams. We showed that Belize has talented young people in sports and in education.”
