Belize’s Women’s Volleyball National Team has achieved a historic milestone by securing a bronze medal at the Central American Games, often referred to as the Olympics of the region. This marks the first time the team has advanced to the semi-finals and clinched a medal in the tournament, which is held every four years. The team’s triumphant return to Belize was celebrated at the Belize Olympic House, where News Five captured the emotional moments and insights from the players and their head coach. Lawrence Bennett, the team’s head coach, expressed immense pride in the players, highlighting their resilience despite injuries and illnesses during the competition. Team captain Nelissa Ramirez emphasized the team’s dedication, with rigorous training sessions twice daily. Shantel Arnold, a senior team member, shared her joy in concluding her 18-year national team career on a high note. Herdie Castillo reflected on the thrilling yet exhausting experience of representing Belize and competing against other nations. This achievement not only marks a significant moment for Belizean volleyball but also inspires future generations of athletes.
分类： sports
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West Indies suffer heavy defeat in series decider against Bangladesh
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Bangladesh triumphed over the West Indies in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) held in Mirpur on October 23. The victory sealed a 2–1 series win for the hosts, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. The West Indies, donning their iconic maroon jerseys, faced an uphill battle from the very beginning. Bangladesh’s opening duo, Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan, laid a solid foundation with a blistering partnership, amassing 176 runs without loss by the 25-over mark. Sarkar’s elegant 86-ball 86 and Hassan’s aggressive 80 off 72 deliveries set the stage for a formidable total. Despite a valiant effort by the West Indies’ bowlers, particularly Akeal Hosein, who claimed four wickets for 41 runs, Bangladesh posted a challenging 296 for eight. The West Indies’ fielding lapses, including several dropped catches, compounded their difficulties. Chasing a record target, the Windies’ innings faltered early, with key batsmen Alick Athanaze and Ackeem Auguste falling cheaply. The collapse continued, and the team was eventually dismissed for a meager 117, resulting in a crushing 179-run defeat. The series loss underscores the challenges faced by the West Indies in the ODI format. Attention now shifts to the upcoming three-match T20I series between the two teams, commencing on October 27, as the Windies aim to redeem themselves.
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Bajan Thorpe searches for glory with Sneaky Cheeky
Racing enthusiasts are in for a treat as Santa Rosa Park in Arima gears up for an action-packed six-race card on October 25. The highlight of the day will be the penultimate race, a 1,100-meter turf event featuring a competitive field of five runners. Among the contenders, Sneaky Cheeky, ridden by Barbados’ leading apprentice jockey Raheem Thorpe, is tipped as the pre-race favorite. Thorpe, who has been brought in by trainer Ramesh Ramroop, will also ride Dreamcatcher, Uncle Rog, and Free Pass across the day’s events. The race card also includes the first two-year-old race of the 2025 season, with Dream Maker and Sweet Bird, trained by John O’Brien, set to compete. Post time for the races is scheduled for 12:45 pm, promising an exciting day for punters and racing fans alike.
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Is That A Fact set for Bruceontheloose Sprint
Renowned trainer Jason DaCosta has set his sights on the upcoming Bruceontheloose Sprint, scheduled for Mouttet Mile race day in December, with his exceptional five-year-old American-bred bay horse, Is That A Fact. This announcement follows Is That A Fact’s impressive triumph in the $1.25-million Errol “Big Sub” Subratie Memorial Cup on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The race, an Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over one mile (1,600m), saw Is That A Fact dominate the field, defeating runner-up Run Julie Run, ridden by Dane Dawkins, by a length and three-quarters. The victory was marked by a commanding performance, with Is That A Fact completing the event in 1:39.1 (24.0 x 46.4 x 1:12.0 x 1:25.2). DaCosta praised the jockey, Shaheem Gordon, for executing a flawless ride and adhering to the race strategy. “It was a perfect ride by the jockey, and he followed instructions well,” DaCosta remarked. He also expressed confidence in Is That A Fact’s form, stating, “I think he is peaking at the right time, and he was working exceptionally well coming into this race.” Despite initial concerns about Run Julie Run’s challenge, DaCosta remains focused on the upcoming Sprint on Mouttet Mile race day. Gordon, who held Is That A Fact off in the early stages, timed the surge perfectly, propelling the horse to the front in the deep stretch and fending off Run Julie Run’s challenge to secure the win. “The trainer gave me an instruction, I know it was a winning ride and so I stuck to the plan and we won,” Gordon said. Linguist trailed behind in third place. DaCosta’s strategic planning and Gordon’s expert execution have positioned Is That A Fact as a strong contender for the upcoming Sprint.
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‘Rebuilding’ Trinidad and Tobago women select squad for friendly with ‘Reggae Girlz’
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has unveiled a 24-member squad for the upcoming friendly match against Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz on October 28 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. This encounter serves as a vital preparatory step for the 2025/26 Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers, which kick off next month. Trinidad and Tobago, placed in Group F alongside Barbados, El Salvador, and Honduras, will begin their qualifying campaign against Barbados on November 30. The squad, announced on October 24, features a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents, including overseas-based players Kedie Johnson and Maria-Frances Serrant. Notable inclusions are forward Kennya Cordner, defenders Karyn Forbes and Victoria Swift, and the dynamic Naomie Guerra. The team also boasts emerging stars like Kaitlyn Darwent and Nikita Gosine, alongside the attacking trio of Alexcia Ali, Afiyah Cornwall, and Aaliyah Prince. Goalkeeping duties will be contested by Nicolette Craig, Keri Myers, and Tenesha Palmer. The team’s preparation has been marred by challenges, including the sudden resignation of former head coach Angus Eve just three weeks after his September 30 appointment. His departure, confirmed by a TTFA official on October 21, has left the team under the interim guidance of coaches Damian Briggs and Densill Theobald. Briggs emphasized the team’s focus on rebuilding and fostering unity, stating, ‘We are in a rebuild stage with a blend of experienced and young players. Our immediate goal is the Jamaica friendly, after which we’ll reflect and improve for the qualifiers.’ The match against Jamaica, coached by Hubert Busby, will be a significant test for the TT women, who have recently played practice games against local youth teams, including a dominant 7-1 victory over St Mary’s College Under-14s. As the team gears up for the Concacaf qualifiers, questions remain about potential additional friendlies before their November 30 clash with Barbados. The qualifiers will culminate in the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Championship, which serves as a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
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‘Jamaica deserves it!’
Mount Pleasant Football Academy has taken a monumental step towards the Concacaf Caribbean Cup final after a resounding 5-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force FC in the first-leg semi-final. The match, held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, showcased the Jamaican Premier League champions’ dominance, with Raheem Edwards scoring twice and contributions from Warner Brown, Shaqueil Bradford, and Kimoni Bailey. Head Coach Theodore Whitmore emphasized the importance of meticulous preparation in securing the win, stating, ‘We eliminated their game plan and ours worked.’ Despite the commanding performance, Whitmore expressed disappointment at conceding a goal, ending their streak of clean sheets. Mount Pleasant now stands on the brink of becoming only the second Jamaican team to reach the Caribbean Cup final, following in the footsteps of reigning champions Cavalier FC. Whitmore highlighted the significance of this achievement for Jamaican football, urging fans to rally behind the team. A spot in the final would also secure Mount Pleasant’s qualification for the prestigious Concacaf Champions Cup, where they could face elite clubs from the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Central America. The second-leg match is set to take place at the National Stadium in Jamaica, where Mount Pleasant aims to seal their historic progression.
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Chaguanas North lose appeal, Presentation crowned SSFL central zone champs
Presentation College Chaguanas has officially been crowned the champions of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) championship division for the 2025 season. This victory was solidified after the league’s appeals committee upheld a prior decision to award the school all three points for a match against Chaguanas North Secondary that was abandoned on September 22. The disciplinary committee had initially ruled in favor of Presentation on October 13, granting them a 3-0 win due to Chaguanas North’s failure to adequately prepare the Edinburgh 500 Recreation Ground venue. Chaguanas North contested this decision, arguing that they had made every effort to meet the required standards before the scheduled kickoff. However, on October 22, the appeals committee, comprising Forbes Persaud, Rudolph Hope, and chairman Derek West, reviewed the case virtually and unanimously supported the disciplinary committee’s ruling. The final verdict was delivered on October 24, confirming Presentation’s victory. Chaguanas North officials had claimed that the referee overstepped his authority in abandoning the game and cited a precedent from the previous season where a match involving Presentation was rescheduled due to field issues. Nonetheless, the appeals committee emphasized the referee’s ultimate authority under Law 1 of the game, which governs the field of play. Following this decision, Presentation went on to defeat Chaguanas North 3-1 in their reverse fixture on October 14, finishing the central zone with 27 points from ten games. Chaguanas North secured second place with 22 points. With the matter resolved, Presentation now sets its sights on the First Citizens Boys’ ‘Big 5’ campaign, aiming for promotion to the premier division. They will begin their campaign on November 1 against Speyside Secondary, the Tobago championship division winners. Hillview College (east) and Mucurapo West Secondary (north) have also secured their spots in the Big 5, with the top three teams earning promotion for the 2026 premier division season.
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Supernatural Power shines in the The Viceroy Trophy, eyes Mouttet Mile
Philip Feanny’s exceptional three-year-old American-bred grey filly, Supernatural Power (Cross Traffic – Urquia), has emerged victorious in The Viceroy Trophy on Monday, October 20, 2025, setting her sights on the upcoming Mouttet Mile in December. Ridden by Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas, the filly showcased her dominance in the Open Allowance race for three-year-olds and upward, securing a comfortable two-length win over one mile (1,600m) with an impressive time of 1:36.2 (23.4 x 46.2 x 1:11.1 x 1:23.3).
Feanny expressed his satisfaction with the win, emphasizing its significance as a preparatory race for the Mouttet Mile. “This was a nice race. It’s a prep towards the major objective, which is the Mouttet Mile,” he remarked. “Unfortunately, the recent Gold Cup prep didn’t go as planned, so we had to find another opportunity. This was her final race before the Mouttet Mile.”
Breaking smoothly from the gates with the addition of a visor, Cardenas strategically held Supernatural Power back, allowing Mamma Mia (Jerome Innis) and Major Danger (Dane Dawkins), a stablemate, to set the early pace. As the race progressed, the filly settled into a steady rhythm, biding her time until the half-mile (800m) turn, where she surged forward effortlessly, overtaking her rivals.
Tiz Tok, ridden by Raddesh Roman, emerged as a strong challenger, briefly taking second place as Supernatural Power seized the lead. However, when Tiz Tok mounted a fierce challenge in the final stretch, Supernatural Power responded with determination, pulling away decisively to claim victory. Tiz Tok finished second, with Major Danger securing third place, 19¾ lengths behind.
The win marks a significant milestone for Supernatural Power as she prepares for the Mouttet Mile, with trainer Philip Feanny and jockey Dick Cardenas reflecting on their successful strategy and the filly’s promising potential.
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Trainer Jason DaCosta unearths promising talent in foreigner Dothraki
Renowned trainer Jason DaCosta is brimming with cautious optimism following the remarkable debut of his four-year-old American-bred bay colt, Dothraki. The colt, specifically imported for the prestigious Mouttet Mile in December, clinched a commanding victory in the Vassel “Jolly Man” Najair Memorial Cup on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Competing in the Overnight Allowance category, Dothraki outpaced the field by a length and a quarter over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m), clocking an impressive time of 1:05.4 (23.2 x 47.1 x 59.3).
DaCosta, a three-time champion trainer, lauded Dothraki as ‘something special,’ though he noted the colt is only halfway to peak condition. ‘He looks like something special. He’s about 50 per cent prepared, so this is a significant achievement,’ DaCosta remarked. ‘I was nervous he might tire, but his class carried him through.’
With this stellar performance, DaCosta is already setting his sights on the Port Royal Sprint as Dothraki’s next challenge, followed by the coveted US$300,000 Mouttet Mile. ‘He can only get better from here. As he gets fitter, anything is possible,’ DaCosta added.
From the starting gates, Dothraki swiftly took the lead, maintaining a steady rhythm and outpacing competitors Incredible Jo (Raddesh Roman) and A Gift From Ben (Ramon Nepare) into the half-mile turn (800m). Jockey Robert Halledeen expertly guided Dothraki through the final stretch, securing a decisive victory. Digital One (Dane Dawkins) and Teflon Don (Shaheem Gordon) finished second and third, respectively.
Bred by Into Mischief out of the Empire Maker mare Vanquished, Dothraki is owned by Carlton Watson. Groom Garth Pennant led the colt around the Parade Ring ahead of the race, setting the stage for a triumphant debut. (Photo: Naphatli Junior)
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KFC serves up $650k sponsorship for Clarke Road United
Clarke Road United, a prominent cricket club in Trinidad and Tobago, has secured a significant sponsorship deal with KFC TT, marking a pivotal moment ahead of the 2025 Premiership season. The fast-food giant has committed $650,000 over the next two years, rebranding the team as KFC Clarke Road United. The partnership was officially announced at KFC’s Gulf View branch in La Romaine, with key figures like club president Baldath Mahabir and KFC TT vice-president Roger Rambharose in attendance. Rambharose emphasized the collaboration as an investment in community development and the future of West Indies cricket. He highlighted the club’s legacy of nurturing talent, including international stars like Nicholas Pooran, and expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to inspire young cricketers. The deal, initially set for two years, could extend further, reflecting KFC’s commitment to holistic cricket development. Rambharose also noted KFC’s broader involvement in cricket, including support for the Trinbago Knight Riders and local academies. Mahabir celebrated the partnership as a milestone in the club’s 40-year history, recalling its humble beginnings in Penal and its role in fostering regional cricket talent. The club’s community spirit was further underscored by Penal Debe Regional Corporation chairman Gowtam Maharaj, who shared a story of players halting a match to help extinguish a nearby house fire. This act of selflessness, he said, epitomizes the values of Clarke Road United, a club that excels both on and off the field.