Six Synthetic Basketball Courts Coming Under New Sports Council Agreement

A major boost for grassroots sports development was announced today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Sports Council and the Belize Basketball Federation for the installation of six synthetic basketball courts across the country.

The agreement represents a significant investment in sporting infrastructure and youth development, aimed at expanding access to quality recreational facilities in communities nationwide.  President of the Belize Basketball Federation, Jacob Leslie, described the initiative as monumental, noting that modern courts will help elevate the sport while creating safe, positive spaces for young people.  President Leslie confirmed that one of the synthetic courts will be installed at the Mexican Center, a long-standing hub for basketball activity, particularly among youth players.

Jacob Leslie, President, Belize Basketball Federation: “Yeah, I think it’s monumental. I think it’s very important for our athletes, young and old. We have had issues in the past in having proper training facilities that are safe for our players. And I think it’s good for sports. The basketball courts also can be used for volleyball as well. So I think those having or athletes now play on conditions that are more safe for them and extends their career by the less impact on their knees and their body parts and joints is very important and it’s something that we are passionate about. I think today signifies a change in the way how we develop our athletes going forward. Right now, by just having the Mexico Center refurbished for example, that gives us a wonderful training facility for athletes. And then we look at the districts like Orange Walk and Corozal and these different areas who have a growing need and a growing demand for these types of facilities and by being able to reach those areas, it helps us to broaden our scope and engage more young people and more athletes to play in a safe environment.”

Minister of State for Sports, Devin Daly, emphasized that the initiative is centered on young people, inclusion, and positivity, providing constructive outlets that promote discipline, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles.

Devin Daly, Minister of State (Sports):“These are these two signings that we did today for football and basketball this is just a step towards our commitment for actually furnishing all of the different disciplines with the necessary equipment and facilities that they need. So look out for more developments coming forward. Well, I think that’s a major pillar while building any community. You want to have safe clean spaces and safe components in an environment, area in our community for kids to recreate. This is a form of personal expression whenever persons participate in sport. And so this is just a step towards creating that conducive environment for kids, adults, semi-professionals, across all across the different disciplines of participation.” 

Daly noted that the government remains committed to expanding sporting opportunities nationwide and that further investments in sports infrastructure and youth programs are forthcoming./