Posted: Saturday, September 13, 2025. 10:25 am CST.
Deputy Mayor Miller runs with the Central American Games Torch by the northern entrance’s Flag Monument roundabout. Photo Credit: Belize City Council
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The flame of regional unity arrived in Belize on Friday as the Central American Games Torch Relay made its stop in Belize City, marking a proud moment for the nation ahead of the XII Juegos Centroamericanos, set for Guatemala this October.
Escorted by a delegation of seven—including the official mascot Balami—the torch landed at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport at 4:30 pm, having journeyed from Panama after relays in Guatemala and Costa Rica. Cyclists led the ceremonial relay, guiding the flame from PGIA to Belize City in a symbolic gesture of athletic pride and regional solidarity.
Deputy Mayor Miller received the Central American Games Torch by the Belize City northern entrance. Photo Credit: Belize City Council
Deputy Mayor Miller and fellow City Councillors received the torch from one of the cyclists and took a lap around the Flag Monument roundabout before handing it over to Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (BOCGA) President Allan Sharp to take it to its temporary home—the Ned Pitts Olympic House. BOCGA, which is hosting the torch’s visit, emphasized the importance of the event in fostering peace, unity, and the spirit of competition across Central America.
Balami, introduced by the Guatemala 2025 Organizing Committee, represents the jaguar—a revered figure in Maya cosmovision. Chosen for its dual nature as both a terrestrial and spiritual being, the jaguar symbolizes strength, agility, and ancestral wisdom. Balami serves as a cultural ambassador for the Games, embodying the resilience and unity of Central America’s youth and sporting spirit.
Deputy Mayor Miller handed the Central American Games Torch to Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (BOCGA) President Allan Sharp at the Flag Monument at Belize City’s northern entrance. Photo Credit: Belize City Council
On Saturday morning, Belizeans gathered at the Olympic House for the official Torch Welcome Ceremony, which began at 8:00 am. BOCGA officials and distinguished guests delivered remarks highlighting Belize’s role in the regional sporting movement and the significance of the Games in promoting youth development and international camaraderie.
However, because of rain, BOCGA had to cancel the city-wide relay.
The torch’s presence in Belize not only celebrates the upcoming Games but also honours the country’s athletes and sports institutions. As the flame continues its journey across Central America, Belize stands proudly among its neighbors, united by sport and shared aspirations.
The XII Central American Games will be held in Guatemala from October 18 to 30, 2025. Belize’s participation reflects its growing commitment to regional competition and the development of its athletes on the international stage.
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The post Central American Games Torch arrives in Belize City appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, September 13, 2025. 10:25 am CST. Deputy Mayor Miller runs with the Central American Games Torch by the northern entrance’s Flag Monument roundabout. Photo
The post Central American Games Torch arrives in Belize City appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.