The controversy over the Ruta Maya finish has been brewing for weeks and tonight, the major sponsor has broken its silence.
The Belize Canoe Association has publicly declared that the proposed ending at the Haulover Bridge and the Grand Resort and Residences is a no-go and that the majority of the paddlers are against it.
Despite the concerns raised, organizers have proceeded with the event and relocated the race's finish point, where an admission fee will be charged.
It's quickly turning into a standoff between the paddlers, the organizing committee and the sponsors, and today, the race's top sponsor, Belikin, has issued a statement distancing itself from the controversy. It says, "As the sponsor, Belikin doesn't decide where the race finishes. That's a decision of the organisers, and they have their reasons...We decided to support the race because we want to support Belize, the race, and the canoers.
However, only the winning team gets the headline, while every other paddler out there is doing it for the love of the river, the love of the sport, and the love of Belize. And while the top teams have their own sponsors, everyone else in the race is there for the experience, the love of the river, the love of the sport, and the love of Belize. We could pull our sponsorship and support one team instead, but then everyone else loses out. Our sponsorship of the race helps to ensure that more than only the top teams can participate.''
This statement is in response to the accusations that Bowen & Bowen is responsible for the change.
We will have more on this developing story in the days leading up to the race.
