Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine January 2018 | Page 119

About Kaya Cattouse
“
Born on December 12, 1989, I am the progeny of Belizean
cyclist Raymond Cattouse Jr. and Karen Vernon. My formal
education began at Holy Redeemer Primary School, then I
continued at St. Catherine’s Academy, thereafter St. John’s
College Junior College where I attained an Associate Degree
in Sociology. Apart from my academic achievements, I also
made my mark at these institutions for excelling in sporting
disciplines. This was a direct indication that I would become
an esteemed athlete once my innate talents were nurtured.
I am a Sports Coordinator working at the National Sports
Council in Belize City. I’ve always known that in order to
enjoy my career, it being sports affiliated would be a must.
My job requires me to do what I love, i.e. imparting values
and discipline to youths through sports. Undoubtedly,
there have been challenges along the way however, my
mantra remains “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.
Knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my life, and
outlining steps to achieving my goals, have been my
greatest assets in finding job fulfilment.
Over the years, I have blossomed into a multi-sport athlete
with a profound interest particularly in cycling. Track & field,
football, triathlons, basketball and body building are other
sports that I have competed in at a high level as well. I have
been athletically inclined from a very young age and this
has been the cornerstone of my growth and development as
a laudable female athlete in Belize. I remain cognizant that
being an athlete requires immense discipline, dedication,
determination; thus I am always ready to go above and
beyond in comparison to the average person.
I live in a third world country where my passion for sports is
viewed as a hobby and often times supressed by the entities
that run the sports in the country, however my drive and
determination takes me to places I once only dreamed of
reaching.