Special congratulations go out to the winning teams, Nicaragua in first place, Guatemala in second place, and Costa Rica in third place, for both male and female categories. Male and Female Teams from six Central American countries (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua) participated.

Codd/Hauze (BIZ 1) did Belize proud by winning the fifth place match 21-17, 23-21 over Honduras’ Reyes/Serrano (HON2). Codd/Hauze had eliminated Contreras/Lopez (NCA2) 21-14, 23-21 earlier on Sunday. Codd/Hauze had also won 21-10, 21-12 over Maldonado/ Nuyens (GUA 2) on Saturday in the group stage. Martinez/Jenkins enjoyed a victory by winning the ninth place match: 21-7, 21-11 over Maldonado/ Nuyens (GUA2) on Sunday.

BVA President, Allan Sharp, commented: “Even though the results of Team Belize may not have been what we were hoping for, the performance of our athletes was at a high level, and much better than in the recent past. We are thankful for the efforts of our players, and training by the coaches. We have placed a new emphasis on beach volleyball, and we are confident that with continued efforts by all involved, and by having more competition experience, we will reach the podium. Our 5th place was just outside of direct podium access. We took all eventual medal winners to extra points and sets when we played them, showing that we are on the cusp of medaling.”

The Belize Volleyball Association also congratulates Cuban Coach Profe Juan Carlos Perdomo, and Belizean Coach Baydr Sajia for their commitment and dedication to ensuring the preparedness of our teams. The Belize Volleyball Association is especially thankful to all its sponsors and supporters, and in particular the following major sponsors: Old Belize, Central TV & Internet, TNC-10, Landshark Lager, Powerade, Crystal Water, Simon Quan & Company Ltd., Belize Olympic Committee and Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina.