On July 26, Rowan completed his dive, after weather interfered with the originally scheduled date of July 14. Media from throughout Belize were present to record this beautiful day.

“Allow me to first give you a brief history on Mr. Rowan Garel,” says Larry France of Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia.

“In 2011, Belize was first introduced to the young Rowan Garel when he made a bold decision to conquer Victoria Peak. A year later, he took on the ninety-two mile Walk Across Belize and completed the lengthy journey.

Visually impaired teenager Rowan Garel’s latest adventure was to have taken place two weeks ago when he was scheduled to dive in Belize’s world-famous Great Blue Hole in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, but the weather didn’t cooperate and the dive was rescheduled and completed on Friday, July 26.”

“I was only made aware of Rowan’s efforts in February of this year,” says Larry France, to not only challenge himself but in his words, ‘I’m interested in raising funds and awareness for the only program in Belize that deals with blind or visually impaired people . . . and that is what motivates me.’ I immediately became a supporter personally and then took this initiative to the board at Chabil Mar.

They immediately chose to sponsor his Blue Hole Dive. And, in addition, partnered with Amber Sunset Jungle Lodge to create a Belize Adventure Vacation of 7 nights in the jungle and sea to not only commemorate the dive but donate a portion of each vacation package purchased to the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI).”

“And so with a beautiful Belize day as the backdrop for this great event, media and supporters alike gathered to see Rowan off and record the dive in support of BCVI.”

“It was an honor for us to support him and we hope that our efforts will assist with his primary goal, to raise $100,000 for BCVI.”

Contact Chabil Mar Resort, www.chabilmarvillas.com