The first game for the Women's 32nd Softball Championship begins tonight in Sandhill.
Tournament Director Shane Williams is disappointed that the tournament had to be moved from Belize City, but is hopeful that the change in venue might end up growing what was an apex sport in Belize 50 years ago. He spoke to us today about the importance of keeping the sport alive and what to expect from these upcoming games.
Shane Williams, Tournament Director, National women's tournament
"Well it's the 32nd women national softball championship. It's the first time ever that we will be hosting in Belize rural area we have 8 teams participating, two from cayo, two from Orange Walk, two from Belize rural and 2 from Belize City. It's a three day tournament and we will be playing up to 16 games this weekend."
Jo-
"So what's interesting about these games? Why should any one come out and watch?"
Shane Williams, Tournament Director, National women's tournament
"Well it's the highest level of competition in Belize we have even some of the international peers as well participating and some teams. And we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the golden girls the Belize soft ball team the only team that has ever won at the Central American and Caribbean championships and the pan American level so it's a celebration of that 50th anniversary and a celebration of the continued legacy of women's softball in Belize."
"The legacy of the golden girls still lives among us less than 20 years ago our team won a gold medal at the Central American Championship. The BTL team, and every competition at the regional level our teams are competitive so softball is a very high level sport in Belize especially for women and you will see that on display this weekend At Sandhill."
The event will have 176 participants.
Tonight's first game began at 6:30. Seven games will be played tomorrow beginning at 9:00AM.
