So while hosting the games is one thing, participating and even competing in the tournament is quite another. So it begs the question, are the Belize delegates well poised and ready to take on the players from the region in their own home court? We asked Dominguez today about the players in the Belize roster and if he believes that this roster will ensure that a few medals remain at home. Here is what he told us.
Ritchell Dominguez - Dir. National Sports Council
"Yes all rosters have been in yesterday, was the deadline for every country to send in their rosters and we vet them. What will happen this evening is that we are going to share different rosters with different countries. Belize is going to check El Salvador, El Salvador is going to check Honduras and this is what is going to happen this afternoon. I know we'll be up late this evening to vet them but we are ready and willing to go."
Emanuel Pech
"That's 1 thing to host the event, it's another to participate and to actually compete in the event. Are you satisfied with the roster that you have that we will be able to show a little competition in these games?"
Ritchell Dominguez - Dir. National Sports Council
"Yes, we do because our teams have been working out ever since we heard we were hosting Codicader, but really at this age 6 to 11, it's not about competition but its more about participation. Codicader says at that age it's not about competition but it's more about participation to get the kids ready for the next level which is from 12 to 14, that's more the competitive age."
So while the national sports director had more of a diplomatic answer to this question, for the coaches and players of the male and female national basketball team, the whole purpose of participating is to win. Today we got a chance to speak to them in their brand new uniforms and got a taste of their winning spirit.
Brian Michael - Coach, Bz Female Basketball Team
"Less than 3 months of hard work. Some of them couldn't even get up for school the next day. So, they proved to me that they really want to do this so, I just work with them to the best of my ability."
Emanuel Pech
"What was some of the things that you did in preparation for preparing them for this game?"
Brian Michael - Coach, Bz Female Basketball Team
"Well, the team that won some of the players were kind of old. Because it was Under-12 tournament. so what I did was to go to different schools and select the best players bring them together, make them come as one."
Emanuel Pech
"It's a combination of how many schools?"
Brian Michael - Coach, Bz Female Basketball Team
"It is about 5 schools."
Emanuel Pech
"All from Belize City?"
Brian Michael - Coach, Bz Female Basketball Team
"All from Belize city. One from Belmopan."
Emanuel Pech
"How long have you been working with your team?"
Briah Clarke - Basketball Player, CODICADER
"2 months."
Emanuel Pech
"Now in these 2 months is there anything in particular that you learnt that you didn't know already?"
Briah Clarke - Basketball Player, CODICADER
"Yes sir."
Emanuel Pech
"What is some of those things?"
Briah Clarke - Basketball Player, CODICADER
"Dribble with my left hand and passing the ball around and things like that."
Emanuel Pech
"How long have you been playing basketball outside of this camp?"
Briah Clarke - Basketball Player, CODICADER
"Since I was 3."
Emanuel Pech
"So you have what it takes to take on this big challenge."
Briah Clarke - Basketball Player, CODICADER
"Yes sir."
Emanuel Pech
"Have you ever participated in CODICADER before?"
Briah Clarke - Basketball Player, CODICADER
"No sir."
Emanuel Pech
"This will be your 1st time."
Briah Clarke - Basketball Player, CODICADER
"Yes sir."
Emanuel Pech
"You think you is well and ready?"
Briah Clarke - Basketball Player, CODICADER
"Yes sir."
Emanuel Pech
"You think your team is well and ready?"
Briah Clarke - Basketball Player, CODICADER
"Yes sir."
Dijon Smith - Coach. Male Basketball Team
"Yes, we have a fighting chance, because they worked hard. They did a good job in training. Well, I teach them basics, like some pick and rolls and those things. Because when they reach they will have men taller than them. So, I teach them to boxed-out and how to get around."
Emanuel Pech
"How long have you been practicing and playing with these guys on your team?"
Delhart Dominguez - Basketball Player. CODICADER
"Over 3 weeks."
Emanuel Pech
"So, tell me do you think you are prepared? You, yourself and your team are prepared to take on this challenge?"
Delhart Dominguez - Basketball Player. CODICADER
"Of course."
Emanuel Pech
"Now how long have you been playing basketball?"
Delhart Dominguez - Basketball Player. CODICADER
"Like 3 years."
Emanuel Pech
"You love it?"
Delhart Dominguez - Basketball Player. CODICADER
"Yes sir,"
Emanuel Pech
"Do you think you have what it takes to take on the big teams from across the region that will be coming here to participate?"
Delhart Dominguez - Basketball Player. CODICADER
"Yes, we are just going to do our best."
Emanuel Pech
"What were some of the new things that you learned while at the camp with these guys?"
Delhart Dominguez - Basketball Player. CODICADER
"Teach you how to show sportsmanship and how to play with your team members."
Games will be played in four disciplines including football, basketball, volleyball and table tennis.
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