VICE-President of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) Maurice Rajkumar along with US-based Guyanese Seon Bristol made monetary contributions to the efforts of the association.

On Friday, Rajkumar came good on his promise to renovate the Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym in Albouystown when he donated a quantity of zinc sheets, sand and cement totalling over $400 000.

The materials are to be used to renovate the gym and already construction has begun and is being carried out by Alvin Bacchus and crew along with members of the boxing gym which is made up of a number of young talented boxers.

Rajkumar had originally pledged $300 000 to the cause but after ordering the materials, that figure went up by more than $100 000. However, Rajkumar who shows a keen interest in the sport stood the extra expense.

The persons involved in the renovation work are giving their services free of cost but Rajkumar promised that he would give them a small stipend.

Bristol, on the other hand, promised to pay GABA’s debt to the world governing body IABA so that local amateur boxers would be able to attend international tournaments.

Bristol, a former amateur boxer turned promoter, got monetary assistance from Guyanese living in North America to make this possible.

GABA’s president Steve Ninvalle said he is very delighted with the assistance his association has garnered so far and he is hopeful that other local businesses will come on board and assist with the development of the only sport that has given Guyana an Olympic medal (bronze) that was won by Michael Parris at the 1980 Olympics.

Ninvalle said he would be working assiduously to encourage Guyanese based at home and abroad to assist his cash-strapped association. (Michael DaSilva)