The Belikin La Ruta Maya is scheduled to run from March 6th - 9th, but there's dissatisfaction brewing amongst the paddlers. Discussions have been held about possibly moving the finish line from the historic Belcan bridge to the Haulover Bridge.
The Canoe Association is raising safety concerns as the Haulover Creek and portion of river under the bridge often carry a dangerous current.
We spoke via phone with Vice President of the Association, Elvin Penner who shared his feeling that commercialism is slowly killing the race as it is more about money than history or culture:
Voice of: Elvin Penner, Vice President, Belize Canoes Association
"I think the focus of the race has shift has shifted from it being about the river itself, the well-being of the river, keeping the river clean, educating paddlers and other persons about the river."
"I hardly see that or hear that mentioned at all. I don't see them cleaning up the river edge the way they used to. Then you have the Mayan culture. The very name says it La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge."
"That was one main focus. Then we had the culture, the diverse culture along the river valley, all the way from San Ignacio to Belize City the culture changes, so we're highlighting the culture. And of course, trying to make the race better for the paddlers, particularly, because they are, at the end of the day, the most important entity of the race."
"The sponsors, make sure that the sponsors are comfortable and they want to continue sponsoring the teams. And of course, the fans and the families themselves. So that focus to me has been lost to a large extent."
"And the race has been very much commercialized. So the commercial aspect, the business aspect of the race is, to me, what it's focused on most nowadays, which will slowly kill the race because to us, it's not about money. It's about having representation out there for your company."
Penner implores the committee to re-think its decision as it is a major investment for each team.
