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Oceana Sponsorship Provide Reef Exposure To Belizean Youths

Press Release Date: January 12, 2012

Location: Belize City, Belize

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St. Luke's Women's Group arrived at Goff's CayeOver the past two weeks, over 100 Belizeans have enjoyed an opportunity to visit the Belize Barrier Reef, with trips to Goff’s Caye sponsored and facilitated by Oceana in Belize.
 
 The most recent trip happened just yesterday, August 9, when 25 participants from the Youth for the Future National Youth Week Project spent a spectacular day swimming, diving, snorkeling and otherwise having an educational, yet fun day.
 
On Sunday, August 6th, another 45 attendees of the Growing The Future Foundation (GTFF) Summer Program experienced the beauty and diversity of Belize’s marine heritage on display at the reef.  In expressing GTFF’s thanks for Oceana’s sponsorship of the Goff’s Caye field trip, its Director Peter Lacey Jr said it was a first such outing for most of the participants, all of whom at the end of the trip said they had a great time!
 
The weekend just before, on July 30th, it was the turn for participants in the St. Luke Women’s Group Summer School, who made the trip to Goff’s Caye.  Speaking for that group, Ms. Jennifer August said the only regret was that they could not take more participants.
OCEANA Communications Officer, Mr. Niall Gillett, made presentations to those attending the summer programs, and  OCEANA T-shirts, caps, exercise books & bumper stickers were also distributed to participants.
 
Sponsorship of these field trips is in line with OCEANA’s “I Love My Reef Campaign”. As OCEANA BELIZE Vice President Audrey Matura-Shepherd stated, “As many Belizeans as possible need to visit our cayes to experience the beauty, diversity and splendor of Belize’s marine heritage and so better appreciate it and be prepared to defend it.  OCEANA will do its part to facilitate such visits.”