{"id":83338,"date":"2026-02-24T11:31:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T17:31:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greaterbelize.com\/?p=83338"},"modified":"2026-02-24T17:34:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T23:34:35","slug":"orange-walk-brotherhood-ballaz-set-to-represent-belize-at-copa-gobernador-in-mexico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greaterbelize.com\/orange-walk-brotherhood-ballaz-set-to-represent-belize-at-copa-gobernador-in-mexico\/","title":{"rendered":"Orange Walk Brotherhood Ballaz Set to Represent Belize at Copa Gobernador in Mexico"},"content":{"rendered":"

This morning on Open Your Eyes<\/a> we were excited to highlight an incredible opportunity for young Belizean athletes. The spotlight was on the upcoming Copa Gobernador Basketball Tournament, set to take place in M\u00e9rida, Yucat\u00e1n, Mexico, where 13 different countries will come together to compete. Among those teams proudly representing Belize is the Orange Walk Brotherhood Ballaz, and joining us in studio were young talent Little Jaythan Young and founder and coach Calbert Carcamo.<\/p>\n

The Copa Gobernador is shaping up to be a major international showcase of youth basketball talent, and for Belize, this is more than just a tournament, it\u2019s a chance to wave the black, white, blue, and red on an international stage. With countries from across the region participating, the competition will be high-level, fast-paced, and full of energy.<\/p>\n

Little Jaythan Young, who plays in the Under-13 category for the Brotherhood Ballaz, shared his excitement about the journey ahead. Calm but confident, Jaythan spoke about the hard work he has been putting in; from daily practice sessions to conditioning drills, all while balancing school and family life. Like any dedicated young Belizean athlete, he understands that representing your country is both an honor and a responsibility.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dih train hard every day,\u201d he expressed proudly, noting that preparation isn\u2019t just physical but mental too. From sharpening his ball-handling skills to improving his teamwork on the court, Jaythan is focused on giving his best performance in M\u00e9rida. For him, this isn\u2019t just about playing basketball but it\u2019s about showing that Belizean youth can compete with anyone.<\/p>\n

Coach Calbert Carcamo, founder of the Orange Walk Brotherhood & Sisterhood Ballaz team, also shared insights into the team\u2019s preparation. Over the years, the program has grown into a positive force in the community, providing young people with discipline, mentorship, and opportunities through sports. Coach Carcamo emphasized that the team has been training intensively, working on defense, offensive plays, stamina, and team chemistry.<\/p>\n

He noted that international tournaments like Copa Gobernador expose players to a higher level of competition, which helps them grow not only as athletes but as individuals. \u201cThis is about building character,\u201d Coach Carcamo explained. \u201cWe\u2019re teaching these youths about commitment, teamwork, and representing Belize with pride.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, as with many grassroots sports\u2019 programs in Belize, funding remains a challenge. Travel expenses, accommodation, uniforms, and tournament fees all add up. Coach Carcamo made a heartfelt appeal to the Belizean public, businesses, and the diaspora to support the team in making this trip possible. Every donation, big or small, brings these young athletes one step closer to their dream.<\/p>\n

This morning\u2019s segment was a reminder of how sports continue to unite and uplift communities across Belize, from Orange Walk to the entire nation. As the Brotherhood Ballaz prepare to head to M\u00e9rida, they carry not just basketballs in their hands, but the hopes and pride of a country behind them.<\/p>\n

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Tune in weekday mornings at 6:30 am \u2014 only on GBM. Watch the full interview here: <\/em><\/p>\n