Eco-challenge winners and Reef Festival highlights

While spectators waited for the kayaks to make their way to Central Park, the Reef Festival was in full swing. A poster and a sand castle building competition took place. Below find some highlights.1st place - Samantha Milian - $100, courtesy of Smart!

2nd place - Alexis Roca and Giselle Alamilla - $75, courtesy of Smart!3rd - Isolene Bailey, Ashley, Gian Carlo - $50, courtesy of Smart!

1st place- Eric, Mariano, Mariel

2nd place- Isolene Bailey, Princess Bailey, Gian Carlo, Brian and Sebastian

3rd place - Elsa, Berta and Noah

Judges for both competitions

The 5th annual Eco Challenge culminated at Central Park where the Reef Festival was taking place. Top winners were:1st place Overall - Galen Warriors - Mario Sanchez and Alfonso Ayala sponsored by Galen University

2nd place - Lazy Lizards - Immer Perez and Salva sponsored by Lazy Lizard and Anwar's Tours

3rd place - We Nuh E-Z - Jimmy Polonio and Rafael Averez, sponsored by Caye Casa

4th place - Reef Radio - Sergio Lopez and Byron, sponsored by Reef Radio 5th place - Searious Dilligaf - Martin John Leslie and Gilbert Spain, sponsored by Searious AdventuresOldest Paddler went to Galen University

Winners Circle:

And they're back!!

The first of many teams have already crossed the finish line, much to the delight of the crowds gathered at Central Park.

Team Caye CaulkerTeam Galen University
Exhausted but smiling and happy to have made it!
First-time paddlers Ernesto Gomez and Alex Escalante
Brian Marin and Ricky Marin
At the front, Ariel Valdez Ayuso
High School students - some of them, first time challengers!
(Ricky, Ernesto, Alex, Brian, Ariel)

And they are off!! Eco-Challenge 1st Day

The 5th Annual Lagoon Reef Eco-Challenge was off! At the count of three, 44 participants paddled their way into the first leg of what will be a two day race. 22 teams prepared, anticipated, anxiously awaited dawn and headed out to the Old Football Field where it all began. Once there, much commiserating took place as everyone got ready to begin. Bets were placed among themselves, laughter echoed and teams wished each other luck. Winners will walk home with great prizes. Prizes are as follows:

Overall Race:

1st place - $3,000 + $300 bar tab from Lazy Lizard Caye Caulker

2nd place - $2,000

3rd place - $1,000

Junior Category: 1st place - $1,000

2nd place - $500

3rd place - $300

Station Prize Day 1 Basil Jones - $800

Fun Categories:

Best Sportsmanship - $250 gift certificate from Milo's

Most Creative - Mar de Colores Gift Package

Dog Tired - Pampered Paws full groom and flea bath

Grumpiest Team - 2 round trip tickets Caye Caulker Water Taxi

I'll never do this again - 2 round trip tickets Caye Caulker Water Taxi

Team that got lost - Castillo's Hardware flash light set

Neck and neck - WatchesCameras were everywhere, everyone was ready to catch the action on film!Paddlers get ready and wait for the countdownSpectators lined the lagoon-side beach hoping to catch a glimpse of the raceReady ... set ... go!

To listen to live coverage visit The Reef Radio at

http://reefradiofm.tripod.com/

Be Kind Belize Program visits SAGA

Colette Kase

The students from Teacher Helen and Tara's class had the great opportunity to visit SAGA this afternoon as part of their Be Kind Belize workshop participation.

While at SAGA, the students got to listen to Jambo's, Veterinarian Laurie's best friend, heart beat, get informed as to the requirements to become a vet, the cost incurred when caring for a pet, and the care that they need.

Be Kind Belize has been developed by Colette Kase, a resident of San Pedro, who worked in the field of animal welfare and education for most of her career in the UK. She designed the programme to compliment the Belize National Curriculum, enabling schools to take part while fulfilling their educational obligations.

Colette Kase says, “The children of San Pedro are so bright and enthusiastic and they just seem to be so excited about learning how to protect the environment and save it for generations to come. But we don’t just teach about the environment - Be Kind Belize teaches children to be kind to themselves, kind to others and kind to animals. The workshops are fun and interactive and the kids have a great time participating, making teaching and learning a wonderful experience.”

Some of pets available for adoption at SAGA: