Belize is a young country with young citizens – only 25 years old, over 50% of its 270,000 inhabitants are under the age of 18. With a struggling economy, Belize has come to a cross roads, trying to find an identity, much the same as its people. The Belizean people are beautiful -- with a mixture of cultures including the native Maya, Mestizo, and Creole. Despite having generations of oppression, the eyes of the Belizeans are fixed on the future—uncertain but filled with hope, a hope that one day their country will be great. Sports Servants has been formed as a means to make a difference in this small, but strategically important country by helping the Belizeans in their search for an identity.

First of all, Belize's official language is English easing any communication struggles. Secondly, the government has worked to establish soccer fields in every village, but a lack of a national program has paralyzed the local leaders who are crying for proper training. Third, we have formed a relationship with the YMCA of Belize that will enable us to fulfill our vision. Their director, Dr. Clara Cuellar, who holds a Master's degree and P.H.D in sport and development, has the background and wisdom to help us fulfill our vision. Given the relatively small size of the country, we can make an immediate and substantial impact.

We’re talking about a country that does many things right, but is in need of good leaders. The role models in this country are the chosen few who are good enough in soccer or basketball to stand out among the crowd. They get recognition in papers and on tv and then they fall into a trap that has existed in Belize for many years. The talented players are used and abused by older athletes and teams. The heroes of the country are addicted to drugs, alcohol and sex and many of the young ones follow. So how do you help a country without leaders and without coaches to guide them into who they are supposed to be as human beings? You create them. You grab a hold of those promising youth before they get swept away by corruption and addiction. You teach them what is right and what is good. But, you also inspire them. You show them what their talent could really be and help them achieve beyond their expectations. You challenge them to succeed, to do well in school and help their community. You ask them to be the role model they never had. And, when they are trained and equipped with their own skills and abilities, they will turn around and teach others. In a country where it is not a requirement for children to go to high school, can you imagine what would happen if kids started earning academic and athletic scholarships to go to high school and beyond?

Because the country is open and willing to receive our help, Belize serves as the perfect training ground to grow and develop as a group. We can work to develop a blueprint for future projects by learning in an environment that welcomes our efforts. As we learn and grow, our experience in Belize will be used to design and develop future projects in areas where we are faced with larger challenges and more difficult circumstances. Africa is in our sights.