The Placencia Breeze
Page 28
November 2018
December Marathon and Half Marathon to Support More Scholarships for Youth
and earned certificates: two for air conditioning, one for plumbing, and three for welding.
By JEFF WHITE Press Officer Rotary Club of Placencia placibr@btl.net
Please join us for the seventh annual End of the World Marathon and Half Marathon. On Dec. 9, about 250 runners from 11 countries and 17 states in the United States of America will run the length of the Placencia Peninsula once or twice depending on whether they compete in the 13.1-mile half marathon or the 26.2-mile full marathon. As in the past, the event promises to be a truly rewarding experience that includes fitness and fun on our beautiful peninsula supported by over 100 volunteers from all peninsula communities. A distinguishing feature of our marathon, unlike any other international marathon, is the water station competition in which runners can enjoy the antics of our many entertaining station volunteers while they stay hydrated. This year there will be 21 water stations spread out over the 13.1-mile course. There is also "fun run" activities planned for kids age 12 and under. These young runners can sign up on the morning
of the race. Runners appreciate lots of enthusiastic spectators, so if you won’t be running, please join us to cheer on the runners. Beyond the fun and athletics, your registration fee will go towards educating Belizean children. All of the proceeds from the marathon go towards educational scholarships. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Rotary Club Scholarship Committee, last year’s marathon funds
None of this would be possible if not for the generous support from our sponsors. Our sponsors this year include: At the gold level (BZ$5,000), Splash Dive Center and RF&G Insurance; at the Silver level (BZ$2,500), Turtle Inn, Maya Beach Hotel, Chabil Mar Resort, Belize Bank, Sirenian Bay Resort & Ben Kim Photography 2013 Villas, and Bowen & Bowen Company Ltd. (Crystal and Powerade); The marathon has become known for its at the Bronze level (BZ$1,000), fun water stations and great organization. Rotary Club of Placencia, Belize More sponsorship opportunities are availTourism Board, Atlantic Bank, MnM able to help the cause. Visit runbelize.org Hardware, Singing Sands Inn, Taste contributed to our three scholarship Belize, Parrot Head Club of Belize, programs. We had 30 students in our Tipsy Tuna, and Captain Jaks; and at high school program —- seven in the Patron Level (BZ$500) Barefoot fourth form, six in third form, nine Bar, Caribbean Beach Cabanas, and in second form, and eight in first Muy’Ono Hospitality. form. Six students were funded in our 6th form program and were en- We can always use more sponsors rolled in three different colleges. We and we are still looking for sponalso started a new program this past sors for some Seine Bight runners. year, the Trades 4 Life Program, a Anyone who is interested in sponpost-high school program focusing soring either the event or a runner on vocational education. Six students can contact Chip Lovett at chip@ completed the intensive program runbelize.org.▪
Devin Guzman Joins Seine Bight Running Club Crew of Coaches By WANDA STAKUTIS Press Officer Seine Bight Running Club gregvwandas@gmail.com
Seine Bight Running Club has a new coach, Devin Guzman. Devin was born on June 6 and is 20 years old and has lived in Seine Bight his entire life. He is one of eight children. He attended Independence High School with a vocational major. Currently Devin works at PIA teaching drumming. He also works sometimes at Splash when they call him on an as-needed basis. In addition to being a coach for the running club he also coaches youth football and is very involved in his community. “I see the potential and skills of the youth in my village and want to help them achieve whatever they want,” he said when asked why he helps. He credits his drive and community spirit to his mom Vincent Guzman, grandmother Henrrita Augustine and girlfriend Dishawn. He says they help him to continue to do the right thing and “one day God will give you the opportunity
to fulfill your dreams." He also gives his mentor Kirwin Ramirez credit for helping him reach this far so far in his life. Devin loves all things sports and his dream is to be a professional runner or maybe a professional coach. When he is not working or coaching, he plays football, volleyball and basketball. He also teaches drumming to his friends and family in the village. In fact, he is so good at drumming he helped Seine Bight get two championships in Battle of the Drums, including the first one the village ever received. When asked what keeps him motivated to keep on helping wherever he can, he says it is his desire to set an example for his beautiful niece and soon-to-be nephew. His sense of community and family is so strong and something to be admired. For any of you who know Devin, it is not just the next generation in his family he is setting an example for; it is for everyone! I am proud to know this young man and know he will achieve whatever he wants. ▪
Twenty-year-old Devin Guzman, a drumming teacher at Peninsula International Academy, has signed up as a new coach of the thriving running club for youths in Seine Bight Village. (Photo by: WANDA STAKUTIS)
