 attended its Annual General Meeting.){kind=link}
Press Release – Belize Powerlifting Association – September, 2026 – On Saturday, September 5, 2026, members of the Belize Powerlifting Association (BPA) attended its Annual General Meeting with the intent to vote in a new executive for the 2026-2028 Term. Held at The 80’s Deck in Belize City, the meeting was a combination of in-person and online, with a full quorum met to ensure a vote could be held.
Led by Jacqueline Alas, the gathering provided a final report from outgoing President Khalid Usher, an open discussion, and, most importantly, a vote for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary General, Treasurer, and Technical & Competition Officer. With near-unanimous votes, the positions were filled as follows: Mary Gonzalez, President; Narissa Sho, Vice President; Cristian Jackson, Secretary General; Ken’yon Wright, Technical & Competition Officer; Jacqueline Alas. Additionally, Kyle Ali will be providing valuable support to the team as the Public Relations & Communications Officer.
Each post comes with its set of responsibilities. The President must provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the association, ensuring that the BPA operates in accordance with its Constitution/Bylaws and applicable National Sports Council and International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) requirements. That said, she is expected to represent the BPA at both a national and international level. Over the next two years, the president is expected to keep the BPA active, implementing its short- and long-term objectives.
President Mary Gonzalez is familiar with the BPA, having won 2 National Championships prior, and is the current female sub-champion. “The actual job description for the President of the BPA sounds overwhelming, but at its core, it’s just about leadership and good governance,” she said. “I’m looking forward to making BPA the talk of the town again. We have the natural raw strength and talent, and it’s time to nurture that and help our members flourish. My many ideas, from humble to lofty, will hopefully bear fruit and create a sense of unity amongst our members. I’m most excited to welcome new members and watch them discover their strengths and see them grow and represent Belize with pride. We’ve had success in the past, and I am sure the future will be bright too!”
Her cohorts, including Vice President Narissa Sho, is eager to get the ball rolling. “I do honestly believe we can make BPA better. There is so much that can be done, and I’m looking forward to creating a revenue model along with a calendar of events and goals that we can actively work on achieving together.” As Vice President, Sho will assist with implementing board decisions, projects, and development initiatives. She will also oversee specific committees, projects, or activities as assigned by the board. Her help will be tantamount in maintaining relationships with athletes, clubs, gyms and other stakeholders.
Secretary General Cristian Jackson will oversee the general administration and official records of the Belize Powerlifting Association (BPA), including membership records, official documentation, correspondence, registrations, and submissions to the National Sports Council, IPF, and other governing bodies.
As a dedicated member of the sport, Jackson has witnessed and contributed to the growth of powerlifting in Belize. In his new role, he is committed to strengthening organization, communication, and accountability while supporting the continued development and international growth of Belizean powerlifting.
Kenyon Wright, Treasurer, will manage and maintain accurate financial records for the association. His assistance will be valuable during audits and any financial reporting required by governing bodies. He is also tasked with ensuring that federation funds are used only for properly authorized purposes. As such, he will be responsible for budgeting and financial planning for competitions, projects, and funding applications. No stranger to the job, Wright is prepared to handle the responsibility and has pledged his time and effort to ensure the BPA’s financial success.
As the Technical & Competition Officer, Jacqueline Alas is tasked with a large part of the BPA’s events. She will oversee the planning and organization of sanctioned powerlifting competitions, including National Meets. A certified IPF referee, she is the ideal candidate to ensure competitions are conducted according to applicable IPF rules and technical standards. As a member of the National Sports Council, Alas will be a crucial liaison between the BPA and relevant Belize sports authorities.
Kyle Ali is tasked with managing the association’s official social media platforms and public communications, providing crucial assistance in strengthening the presence and visibility of powerlifting in Belize.
The Belize Powerlifting Association and its new executive committee are excited to step into this new term. The executive asks for the community’s support as they navigate their roles and looks forward to creating meaningful relationships with stakeholders and new and returning members. Here’s to Belizean strength and power!