Councilor Adaly Ayuso

On Friday, September 13th, the Mundialito Football Tournament's second and final semi-final round was held at 5PM at the Ambergris Stadium. Four teams competed: Germany, Argentina, Belize, and Brazil. The matches were intense as the young football players strove to score goals and earn points for a chance to compete in the ultimate showdown. With the semi-finals over, the Championship match is scheduled for Thursday, September 19th. The first game determines the third-place winner, and the second game will be anticipated finals.

The San Pedro Town Council Sports (SPTCS) continues to promote sports on the island through its different sports academies geared at the island’s youth. The softball academy started on Saturday, August 24th, with the track and field academy set to begin on Saturday, September 7th. These two additional sports academies and the SPTCS’s football academy, which began earlier this year in February, provide exciting opportunities for children to develop their skills and passion for sports. The program aims to include children in positive events and strengthen family bonds through sporting initiatives.

The community running club 501 Run Club held its second annual 5K Glow Run on Friday, August 30th, at Central Park in San Pedro Town. The event drew many runners of different ages who participated in both male and female categories. At the end of the 3.1-mile race, the top three runners in each category received medals, and organizers encouraged everyone to continue practicing a healthy lifestyle.

In September, Belizeans celebrate their nation's history with patriotic events. This month commemorates the Battle of St. George's Caye and Belize's Independence Day. This year's theme for the September Celebrations is "Valiant and Bold, Proud and Free! Belize @ 43," reflecting the nation's spirit of unity, courage, and freedom. The festivities started with flag-raising ceremonies across the county for National Flag Day. On Sunday, September 1st, at 6AM, community members, local authorities, and proud Belizeans gathered at Central Park for the ceremonial event opening the September Celebrations. As the first rays of sunlight lit up the park, voices sang the national anthem as the Belizean flag rose into the sky.

On Sunday, August 18th, the Ambergris Stadium hosted the Legends Over 35 Cup finals between Shark Shooters and Tropical Strikers. The last match in this local tournament saw the best of both teams, with Tropical Strikers taking an initial lead. However, at the end of the game, the Shark Shooters proved to be the strongest squad and took home the championship with a solid final game score of 6-2.

The San Pedro Volleyball Association hosted a sports summer program for males and females. The program offered a unique opportunity for young athletes to experience these benefits while honing their skills and preparing for future competitions. The sessions took place at Angle Nuñez Auditorium from July 1st to July 12th, with two daily sessions.

The Mayors Co-ed Cup Softball Tournament had another week of games and is heading into the semi-finals. The games occurred on Sunday, May 19th, at 10:00 AM at the Honourable Louis "Cuz" Sylvestre Sporting Arena. Councilor Adaly Ayuso and the San Pedro Town Council Sports Committee organize the competition to promote athletes' participation on and off the island.

The Island Football League (IFL) is in its seventh week of season, with twelve teams competing for the championship. With only four more weeks left in the tournament, the race for the coveted Championship title is intensifying.