Posted: Friday, October 17, 2025. 6:47 pm CST.
Belizean athletes meet the Central American Games mascot Balami. Photo Credit: XII Juegos Centroamericanos Guatemala 2025/Facebook
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: With excitement building ahead of the athletics events at the XII Juegos Centroamericanos Guatemala 2025, athletes from across the region—including Belize’s cycling and athletics teams—shared a joyful moment on Thursday, October 16, with Balami the jaguar, the official mascot of the Games.
The encounter took place in Guatemala City just before the delegations departed for Quetzaltenango and Mazatenango. Quetzaltenango, Guatemala’s second-largest city, is affectionately known as Xela. The athletes posed for photos with Balami, who has become a symbol of unity and sporting spirit throughout the Games.
“Balami shared a special moment today! 
,” read a post on XII Juegos Centroamericanos Guatemala 2025, the official Facebook page of the Games. “Balami met with the delegations heading to Quetzaltenango for the athletics events. 
The sporting spirit of the Central American Games Guatemala 2025 is getting closer and closer.”
Among those captured in the moment were Belizean cyclist Jyven Gonzalez and members of the national cycling team—Cory Williams, Oscar Quiroz, Justin Williams, Derrick Chavarria, and Jaylen Briceño—along with Chief of Mission Herman Pastor. Belize’s athletics team, comprising Nyasha Harris, Tamia Bennett, Kamron Gentle, and Head of Delegation Jada Parchue, also mingled and took photos with Balami.
The athletes took time to sign a commemorative monument alongside fellow athletes from the region. Swimmer Davia Richardson, who was en route to Mazatenango for the swimming championship, had already left her signature on the monument earlier in the day.
The gathering with Balami served as a spirited send-off, reinforcing the camaraderie and shared purpose that define the Central American Games. As the athletes headed to Xela, anticipation was high for the upcoming track and field competitions, where Belize’s representatives are eager to make their mark starting Saturday.
The Games continue to unite the region not only through sport but also through moments of celebration, pride, and shared identity—embodied in the ever-energetic presence of Balami.
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The post Belizean athletes share special moment with Games Mascot Balami before heading to Xela appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, October 17, 2025. 6:47 pm CST. Belizean athletes meet the Central American Games mascot Balami. Photo Credit: XII Juegos Centroamericanos Guatemala 2025/Facebook By Rubén
The post Belizean athletes share special moment with Games Mascot Balami before heading to Xela appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
