… Jamaican contingent arrives, Grenada doubtful

A SEVEN-member contingent from Jamaica arrived in Guyana yesterday to contest the third edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships, scheduled to commence this evening at the National Gymnasium at 18:00hrs.

But according to Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) president Steve Ninvalle, who was addressing members of the media yesterday at a pre-tournament press conference at Tower Suites, the Grenadian team is doubtful to make it to the championships because of financial issues with the airline that was booked to transport them here to Guyana.

Ninvalle, however, stated that the Trinidad and Tobago team will arrive in Guyana this morning and the St Lucian contingent this afternoon.

Trinidad and Tobago will be represented by eight male and four female boxers and they will be accompanied by six officials and four parents, while St Lucia will field four boxers and two officials.

Asked about the budget for the tournament, Ninvalle said that is $6M but to date the GBA has only realised $3M and he is encouraging corporate Guyana to come on board and lend support.

Asked what assistance the National Sports Commission is giving to the activity, Director of Sport Christopher Jones disclosed that apart from giving the GBA access to the National Gymnasium free of cost, the NSC will be providing transportation and meals for the boxers during their stay here in Guyana.

To date, the other sponsors of the event are: Maggie’s Catering Service, Hand-in-Hand Insurance, Bounty Farm, Trophy Stall and Demerara Distillers Limited through its Pepsi brand.

Questioned about the Guyanese boxers’ preparedness for this weekend’s tournament, Ninvalle explained that the GBA held six preparatory tournaments over the past three months and he is of the firm belief that the locals are well prepared and raring to go.