The Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association was recognized by the International Olympic Committee on 1 January 1968. The nation made its debut in Olympic competition later that year at the 1968 Summer Olympics, and except for the boycotted 1980 Summer Olympics have appeared in every Summer Olympiad since. This made Athens their ninth appearance at a Summer Olympic Games, although they have yet to appear at any Winter Olympic Games. The 2004 Summer Olympics were held from 13–29 August 2004; a total of 10,625 athletes participated, representing 201 National Olympic Committees. Belize sent two track and field athletes to Athens: Michael Aguilar and Emma Wade. For the opening ceremony, Wade was selected as flag-bearer.