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Over 270 children registered to be a part of the event where they participated in football and Bachi matches as well as running races. But beyond the sporting activities and community support, this event highlights the importance of engaging children with diverse abilities to reach their highest potential. I found out more when I visited:..

Courtney Weatherburne reporting
This golden torch planted in the grounds of the Governor General Field in Belmopan, sheds a light of hope and perseverance for participants in the Special Olympics Games.

This morning, about 150 police officers accompanied by special Olympics youth made their way from Hattieville to Belmopan for the opening ceremony.

And right after, the games began with the females walking race. Apart from the physical training these kids receive, activities like these assist coordinators in evaluating athletic performance.

Candy Armstrong, Chairperson, Board of Directors
"This also gives us an opportunity to look at our skill base in terms of the best athletes that we have because we do compete internationally, for example, for the world summer games next year we have a girls team who will be participating in that game. It will be held in Los Angeles."

17 year old Jasmine Flores is the captain for the Bachi female team that will be traveling to Los Angeles for the tournament.

Courtney Weatherburne
"I understand that you all will be traveling to LA nest year for the big competition. Tell us about that?"

Jasmine Flores, Captain, Bachi Team
"Miss I am excited. My aunt help me a lot, my friends, they are all excited."

And it is quite exciting for these participants as well, who get to play their favorite sports.

Courtney Weatherburne
"You are a part of the special Olympics games right?"

Dwayne Aragon, Football Player
"Yes."

Courtney Weatherburne
"What games are you looking forward to play?"

Dwayne Aragon, Football Player
"Football, Bachi."

Courtney Weatherburne
"What sports are you looking forward to participate in?"

Kifun Iglesias, Football Player
"Football."

Courtney Weatherburne
"Any other sporting activity you participate in so far?"

Kifun Iglesias, Football Player
"No ma'am."

Courtney Weatherburne
"So you think you will be ready?"

Kifun Iglesias, Football Player
"With God's help, yes."

Javier Petillo, 1st place Runner
"I know how to run fast."

Courtney Weatherburne
"Any other sporting activities you engage in already?"

Javier Petillo, 1st place Runner
"No."

But while these children have the familial and medical support to reach the international level, there are still a few challenges that the organization faces.

Candy Armstrong, Chairperson, Board of Directors
"Right now as an organization we are really trying to strengthen our Belize program. So we are really trying to increase our volunteer base. We have just conducted a series of training for our coaches because again, when in order to officiate or support the athletes during training and in terms of competitions, at least needs to be trained a little bit more advance based on the students who are out athletes. We want to move and gain strides in the areas to provide more countrywide year round training for athletes. It's something that they are involved in like every week or every month vice-versa, just once or twice when there is the nationals or regionals."

But all the challenges and hard work are all worth it.

Candy Armstrong, Chairperson, Board of Directors
"One of the most visible benefits of this, is if you look around you could see the parents and the community supporting the students. So through the sporting activities, it creates an awareness and appreciation and respect and it also emphasizes the point that regardless of how we are differently abled in the case with students with intellectual disability - that they are differently abled in that way - each child have the same right to a full and active life, a right to sports, a right to develop physically, mentally, spiritually as any other person would have those rights under our constitution."

Members of the Coast Guard, BDF and Immigration were a part of the torch run.