During a short ceremony, world-renowned Olympic gymnast and gold medalist Simone Biles was presented with the symbolic key to San Pedro Town at Ramon’s Village Resort on Wednesday, November 27th. Present at the ceremony was Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Manuel Heredia, councilors, island athletes, and media corps.
The short ceremony began at 7PM, with Belize Tourism Board (BTB) Communication and Public Relations Officers Raphael Martinez welcoming everyone and introducing Biles. After that, Mayor Guerrero, along with Miss San Pedro Litzy Castillo, officially presented Biles with the symbolic key to the island. Mayor Guerrero stated that they are privileged to have Biles visit it the island, and hope to see her more often, enjoying all that the island has to offer.
Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Manuel Heredia also presented Biles with a token of appreciation, a wood carving of Belize’s ‘Coat of Arms’ with Biles’ named etched on it. In addition, Biles also presented both the Mayor and Minister with some of her recent signed pictures and encouraged Belizean athletes never to give up and work hard for their dreams.
Biles, at 22, is the most decorated artistic gymnast of all time, winning 25 World Championship medals, 19 of which are gold. Five of her titles were recently won at the 2019 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, in October. The 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, is in her sights, and she is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated athletes at the games.
Biles holds Belize citizenship through her mother and refers to the Jewel as her second home. The San Pedro Sun takes this opportunity to extend Simone a warm welcome and wish her and her family a relaxed and memorable vacation.
