The La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge is arguably one of the world’s longest and most taxing river competitions. Among the sixty-one participating teams in this year’s competition was the University of Belize’s Black Jaguar Paddlers – Anselmo Rash, Pablo Manzanero and Kenneth Ferguson, who along with their coach, Claude Jones, placed 2ndin the Intramural category in which they raced with an overall time of 19 hours and 52 minutes.

“This achievement of our students in this competition is impressive and the consistency of their success over the years is even more commendable,” UB’s President Professor Emeritus Dr. Clement Sankat said. “It speaks well of the quality and performance of our students’ athletic ability and the importance of team work and determination in accomplishing goals, as our students have consistently placed in this highly competitive and internationally esteemed event.”

The President of UB – Professor Emeritus Dr. Clement Sankat, the Vice President of UB – Dr. Mariot Simon join UB’s Senior Management, the Faculty and Staff, students and the entire UB community in congratulating Anselmo, Pablo and Kenneth on their remarkable achievement at the 2019 La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge. Their win is not just a win for the University of Belize, but more importantly it tells the story of their tireless effort and indomitable spirit and resilience in this grueling 4-day race.

The University of Belize would also like to thanks Koop Sheet Metal and all our sponsors. The University’s participation would not have been successful without their generous support. The University deeply appreciates the willingness with which you have and continue to champion our efforts in not only participating in this competitive event, but also in allowing us the opportunity to be a part of a river tournament that contributes to Belize’s uniqueness in the world of sport.