The educational displays were judged by three Peace Corps volunteers visiting Ms. Ann Hayden of Green Reef
Green Reef holds 3rd Annual Reef Day Festival
Green Reef, a local non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of Belize's marine and coastal resources held their annual Reef Festival in observation of Earth Day, Sunday, April 25th at Central Park. This year the well-organized beach and water sports spearheaded by the Island Sports Council attracted a wide number of children to the festival. Many impressive educational school displays and posters depicting marine life and other wonders of the underwater world were submitted by students of the San Pedro R.C. School, Lydia's Institute of Fine Education, ABC Pre-school, St. Peter' s Elementary, San Pedro High School and Island Academy. The educational displays were judged by three Peace Corps volunteers visiting Ms. Ann Hayden of Green Reef. The winners were: 1st Place - San Pedro R.C. School, Mr. Paulino Pineda's class; 2nd Place - Lydia's Institute of Fine Education and 3rd Place - San Pedro R.C. School, Ms. Belisle's class. Besides the displays, the now famous touch tank attracted many visitors to the festival. Amigos del Mar once again treated visitors with live marine creatures that were carefully displayed in a canoe filled with sea water. Another highlight was the free trip to the reef on the Southern Beauty (glass bottom boat) Captained by Manuel Pech and son. All day music was provided by Lichi's Box and members and businesses of the community donated the food. Fun games like Kids Mini Tombola and Fish Pond also attracted many youngsters.
Winners of the sporting activities were: Five-A-Side (junior league) - Ball Bombers; senior league - M & J Rentals. Each team received a trophy. Canoe Race (juniors 10-15 years) winners of the first race were Jody and Nelson of Team Hustlers. Winners of the second race were Eswin and Tony of Team Marlin. Both teams were awarded a $50 prize. In the female league, winners of the first race were Lydia and Wendy of Team Spice Girls and winners of the second race were Ruth and Letty of Team Stars. They were also awarded $50 per team. In the adult division, winners of the first race were Elito and Aaron of Team Seaduced. Winners of the second race were Ernesto and Aaron of Team Sketel. Both teams were awarded $100. Other beach games were also played throughout the day with $2 cash prizes to the winners, including relay races and tug-of-war. The children were also treated to candy and other snacks. The Island Sports Council is thankful to individuals and businesses that assisted with prizes for the sporting activities. The organizers of the Reef Festival extend a big thanks to all who donated food, prizes and time for the festival. A special thank you to the schools who participated and to all the supporters of Green Reef. Thanks to the participation of the community, the Festival was once again both fun and educational.
