7 News Belize

Welcome Motorcade For Simone
posted (December 22, 2016)
At just four feet 7 inches and 100 pounds, you might have missed her in the motorcade, but as one of the world's most elite, accomplished and finely tuned athletes, Simone Biles doesn't need to command any extra attention. In fact, she came to Belize trying to get away from all that.

Still, she had to do some of that kind of ceremonial glad-handing today at Battlefield where she was the center of attention, receiving praise and congratulations for her achievements at the 2016 Olympics. Biles also got several gifts from government officials and athletes, and even received the key to Belize City from Mayor Darrell Bradley. We spoke to the Director of the BTB Karen Bevans about what her vacation plans are for the next few weeks...

Karen Bevans, Director, BTB
"We just did a welcome ceremony and a basic overall welcome for her so she can feel at home in Belize. We tweeted to her, she responded. She took the time to make plans and get her family together and everyone to come to Belize. So we thought showing her how proud we are of her, recognizing the fact that she did this for Belize and again putting the name Belize out there because this is being seen internationally as well. So for more than one reasons, we thought that this was a fabulous idea. From the turnout and participation here today, I'm sure that you would agree with me as well."

Alex Courtenay, 7News
"Other than the crowd there's also huge participation from different governmental officials as well. She got the key to the city which is something that not many people get. Was this a collaboration effort with all of these other entities as well as the BTB?"

Karen Bevans, Director, BTB
"Definitely collaboration. All the different agencies, the city of Belize, the city of Belmopan, the sporting associations, not to forget our athletes, they were all intimately involved. The ministry of tourism, sports, NICH, I must give a big thank you especially to our stakeholders as well because to make her entire trip beneficial and to give her the experience we want her to receive in Belize, the tourism stakeholders are really a big part of this. I want to thank them, I thank all the different associations that showed up today and I thank all the different agencies that gave a hand to make this a reality. As I mentioned on the stage earlier that we tweeted to her 4 months ago and her reply was positive, she did say 'you better Belize I'll be there', today is a reality 4 months later. To put all the logistics together and get this happening for us, we're excited about it. Belize is out there, it is now even more on the map with her and the number of followers she has makes it meaningful to us and successful."

Biles attends a dinner tonight at 8:00 where she will be joined by the Prime Minister. Tomorrow, the vacation starts where she and her family will be spending the Christmas holidays in Belize at an undisclosed location.

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