Belize Ek’ Balam Pok Ta Pok Team clarifies name confusion

Photo Credit: Belize Ek’ Balam Pok Ta Pok Team

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Belize Ek’ Balam Pok Ta Pok Team managed by Menalio Novelo Sr are the three-time World Champions of the Mayan Ballgame. They are the team that Belizeans who follow the sport know. They are so popular that whenever Pok Ta Pok is mentioned people think of them.

With the opening of a Pok Ta Pok court in Orange Walk under the aegis of Felicita Cantun and the Belize Tourism Board, reports have been calling the Pachamama the home of the Beize Ek’ Balam Pop Ta Pok Team. But Novelo says that is not so, and on Friday he took to social media to clarify the situation.

“Good day to all Belize Ek’ Balam Pok Ta Pok Team followers. I am writing this post to shed light into a constant confusion that the public is having,” Novelo said.

“Belize Ek’ Balam Pok ta Pok team, the 3 times mayan ballgame champions, is managed by Menalio Novelo Sr. Our team has no ties with Mrs. Felicita Cantun.

“We are getting ready to once again defend our national colors at the 5th Pok Ta Pok worldcup.”

Novelo and Cantun used to work together but split some time ago. Cantun now has her own team named Kinich Ahau which will also be competing in the World Cup which will be held in Orange Walk in December.

This will be the first time Belize has more than one team at the Pop Ta Pok World Cup which this year will have a Women’s Category.

Belize Ek’ Balam Pok Ta Pok Team (Photo Credit: Ya te vi Social y Cultural)