Young Leaders

We have been profoundly moved by the young leaders of Belize. The first thing you notice is a sincere and genuine desire for helping their community, especially children. Each time we have given them an opportunity to lead they have surprised and inspired us because of their passion to be mentors for younger children. Through Sports Servants an avenue exists for young men and women to be leaders and role models for the next generation. Whether it is 21 year-old Nardo expressing "I am proud of you" to a group of kids or 20 year-old Kristian pulling a boy aside to say "please don't go down that path; I have been there before", these young men give us hope for the future of our programs. Here are glimpses into their worlds.

Kristian Manzanilla

Kristian Manzanilla is a true success story. In his words, growing up "on the streets" bred in him a tough attitude, aggressive nature, and uncontrolled behavior. Although always labeled as "a troublemaker" and looked down upon by his teachers and parents, he garnered a love for sports and would spend much of his time playing basketball, running, cycling, and playing football. Seeing this passion, Zac Hood, Coach K, and the other Sports Servants volunteers invited 17 year old Kristan to be a youth coach for the camps in the summer of 2006. Without ever coaching before he quickly became a valuable leader and continues to be a great coach for the next generation of leaders.

This past summer Kristian reentered the story of Sports Servants as a leader in the Calcutta, San Narciso, and San Antonio camps. Kristian can identify with these children and has been a voice of encouragement and truth in speaking about courage, leadership, and true success in life. When he talked about that first summer and his involvement since, Kristian speaks of his love for sports, the inspiration to coach that SS has given him, and the lessons that he has learned.

Kristian is now 20 years old, well read and spoken, driven and focused, and certain to succeed. He has risen to the rank of Junior Commander in the Army (Belize Defense Force) and is on the fast track to becoming a commanding general within fifteen years. Moreover, he recently earned a $150,000 scholarship to study at the US Naval Academy, an incredibly prestigious honor. When talking to him about his training, one can sense dedication, commitment, and leadership. He commands over 50 men, many of whom are older than him, and he sees the life-skills that are learned in the army.

Kristian has proven himself as a leader, and we are excited to watch as he continues to grow in dedication and wisdom. It is the youth leaders like him who are the future of Belize, and he is a strong example of a love for sports in action.

Nardo Che

Nardo is shy and quiet, yet wise and powerful beyond his age. He is known in his home village of Cristo Rey as the best soccer player, but he is also known as one of the finest young men. In 2007 he volunteered to help us. He went through the one-week workshop and then helped us with every week of camp (something few coaches did). He is an excellent student and person, but we had no idea how exceptional he was. Here are some highlights we have learned about him:

When you enter Nardo's house, you realize there are only a few rooms. The main living room is very basic, concrete floors and concrete walls, but strung across the top of the walls are Nardo's diplomas (from primary school to high school to junior college). He is the oldest of 7 children in his family and no one has ever had the opportunity to go to the University to study. He is actually the first to graduate from high school in his family. His thirst for knowledge and studying reminds us of everything that is right about education and its power.

He is quick to note of his love for football, but also of his passion to help children. And what he sees in them is similar to what the children see in him: HOPE. For Nardo, it is the hope that the children will grow up to be great men and women of courage and humility. For the children, it is that one day they might end up like Nardo. Out of humility and gratitude we smile as we realize the weight of change Nardo has already made in the lives of children in Belize. His dream is to return to his village one day and serve as the head of the village council.