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The competition started today at 9:00 at the Mexico Sports Center with the team competition in all categories. We spoke to the event Organizer Arturo Arturo "Tux" Vasquez and he told us that the sport is eager to push its youngest players.

Arturo "Tux" Vasquez, Organizer of the event
"This is a big event. This is the under 15 and under 18 Central American Championships. It's quite a large delegation that is here. I think we have a pretty good coverage. Every country - except Honduras and Nicaragua which could not make it - are all here."

"This is a Junior event. This is really where Belize table tennis has been concentrating. Has been concentrating on the development of young players. So for me, this is a very appropriate event to hold."

"We have our hopeful Taye Parkinson, who had already won this when he was eleven and thirteen. We are hoping that now as he's playing the under fifteen, he has a pretty good chance."

Taye likes his chances and feels quite comfortable that he'll be taking them on his home turf.

Taye Parkinson, Player, Belize
"Of course, I enjoy this event here, especially since it is held at our own country makes it much more comfortable to play in."

"I already know a lot of these players. I've seen them before, I played with some of them before, so I'm quite familiar with these players."

"A lot of them are very good. Under 18 especially that category is very competitive. A lot of hard players here."

And while the competition is important, the young players also appreciate the social aspect of their sport. The event seeks to unite the youth from across Central America.

Enrique Veliz, Player, Guatemala
"I think the competition between the countries will be very hard and everyone will put in the best effort possible."

"The time we spend here is really beautiful."

Joseph Jimenez, Player, Costa Rica
"First comes having fun and then facing whatever result comes out of it, whether it's winning or losing the game. We all want to win but sometimes that's not possible."

Paula Gomez, Player, Costa Rica
"Sport doesn't only mean to come and play the game, it also means to come as a person and be with other persons. Get to know the culture of other countries."

Preparing for the competition has even turned regional rivals into united national teams.

Rogelio Castro, Player, Mexico
"Even though we all come from different parts of Mexico, we came here together, we came as a team, so we have to, behave like a team."

And the young people are excited to be outside of their country, some for the first time. They told us that they're thankful for the opportunity to see and learn about Belize.

Paula Gomez, Player, Costa Rica
"The Championships are very well organized and it's a pleasure to be here and to share this experience with the Belizean people."

"We only stay here for the event, but hopefully if there is any free time we get to know Belize."

Edgardo Sanchez, Player, El Salvador
"I couldn't enjoy this experience more. Belize is a very beautiful country with a nice climate and the people living here are magnificent."

The competition continues until Saturday and the 37 young girls and 48 young boys will continue to give their best while getting to know each other and their culture.