SPORTS IN BELIZE
Sports play a vital role in the culture and lifestyle of Belizeans. The country participates in both local and international competitions, with strong community involvement in school, amateur, and semi-professional levels.
1. Football (Soccer) – Most Popular Sport
- Governing Body: Football Federation of Belize (FFB)
- National Team: The “Jaguars”
- Belize Premier League: Main football league, with clubs like:
- Verdes FC (San Ignacio)
- San Pedro Pirates
- Wagiya FC (Dangriga)
- Football is widely played in schools, communities, and parks.
- Belize has participated in CONCACAF tournaments and World Cup qualifiers.
2. Basketball
- Gained popularity, especially among the youth and urban areas.
- Belize National Basketball Team has competed in COCABA and FIBA tournaments.
- Played competitively in secondary schools and amateur leagues.
- Main urban centers like Belize City host tournaments and inter-district competitions.
3. Boxing
- Historically popular, with a growing number of youth programs.
- Focus on developing amateur boxing and training clubs.
- Some Belizean boxers have gained international exposure.
4. Softball & Baseball
- Softball is especially popular among women.
- Belize women’s softball team has won regional titles.
- Baseball is played in rural communities, especially among Mennonite populations.
5. Track and Field (Athletics)
- Promoted at school competitions like National Secondary Schools Championships.
- Events include sprints, long-distance runs, and relays.
- Belize has sent athletes to Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.
6. Cycling
- Very popular with annual events like:
- Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic – Oldest and most prestigious race (since 1928).
- Attracts both local and international cyclists.
- Races take place on highways and rural roads.
7. Volleyball
- Common in schools and community competitions.
- Belize Volleyball Association (BVA) governs the sport.
- Belize has competed in Central American Volleyball Championships.
8. Cricket
- Played in rural areas like Belize River Valley and Northern Belize.
- Mainly community-based; informal and recreational.
- Popular among older generations and expats from Caribbean nations.
9. Canoeing & Water Sports
- La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge – Four-day canoe race through Belize River; major annual event.
- Fishing, kayaking, sailing, and diving are also common, especially along the coast and cayes.
10. Emerging & Recreational Sports
- Martial arts (karate, judo, taekwondo)
- Bodybuilding and fitness training
- Table tennis, tennis, and swimming
- E-sports and gaming are also rising among the youth.
International Participation
- Olympic Committee: Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association
- Belize has participated in:
- Olympics
- Pan American Games
- Commonwealth Games
- Central American Games
Summary Table
| Sport | Popularity | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Football (Soccer) | Most popular | National team known as “Jaguars” |
| Basketball | Very popular | Urban youth and schools |
| Softball | Popular (women) | Belizean women have excelled regionally |
| Cycling | Popular | Holy Saturday Cross Country Race |
| Volleyball | Common | Played in schools and regional tournaments |
| Canoeing | Traditional | La Ruta Maya River Challenge |
| Cricket | Rural areas | Played informally in northern and inland areas |
| Athletics | Schools focus | Olympic participation |
| Martial Arts | Growing | Karate, taekwondo, judo training clubs |
