Belize's sports culture reflects the historical influences of Britain (football and, to a lesser extent, cricket) and the United States (basketball and softball). Despite the fact that athletes have poor facilities and little sponsorship or professional training, many Belizeans are active in a variety of sports and have participated in several regional and international competitions.

Basketball was probably introduced to Belize by American Jesuits at St John's College in the early 20th century, and a league formed in the 1920s. Henry "Eagle" Usher, who played for some 25 years, was one of the early stars. The Belize Amateur Basketball Association was created in 1974, and in 1992 semiprofessional basketball debuted in the Civic Centre. The national team has won several Caribbean tournaments. Football is also enjoyed throughout the country. In 1986, Belize was accepted as a member of the F�d�ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), though it has yet to qualify for the World Cup. The Belize National Football Association was formed in 1980, and there is a national competition between 13 semiprofessional teams representing the various districts in the country. A women's league was started in the late 1990s.

Boxing developed in the 1930s, and several Belizeans have achieved international fame, including Ludwig Lightburn and Fitzroy Guiseppi. Cross-country cycling has been practised for more than 70 years, with annual road races that reach distances of nearly 240 kilometres (150 miles). Also popular is women's softball. The national team has won medals at various tournaments, including a bronze medal at the 1987 Pan American Games. Other sports include tennis and volleyball.

Belize formed an Olympic committee in 1967 as British Honduras and appeared at three Summer Games (1968, 1972 and 1976). As an independent country, it made its first Olympic appearance at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. Belizean athletes have not won a medal, and the country has never participated in the Winter Games.