COORDINATOR of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) Schoolboys and Juniors developmental programme, Sebert Blake, believes that it is essential for the development of the sport at both the amateur and professional levels. The GABA will begin the programme on Sunday April 16 at the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis gym which will run for a period of six months and will see participation from all the gyms affiliated to the association with the exception of the Guyana Prison Services, the Guyana Defence Force and Police gyms.
Speaking with Chronicle Sport yesterday, Blake said that already more than half the number of gyms have signalled their intention to participate, with the recently formed Rosehall Bombers and Central New Amsterdam gyms out of the ancient county making their debut.
Weigh-in will be done tomorrow for fighters from gyms located within the city while those coming from Linden and Georgetown will do so on the day of the activity.
“This programme is very important for boxing in general because we have to make sure we have a big pool of young and good amateur fighters. Also, next year will be a busy year for the sport and as such we also have to ensure that we have fighters who would be ready to take the international stage at these junior tournaments,” Blake said.
When contacted Steve Ninvalle, president of GABA, said that while they have been putting a lot of interest in other aspects of the sport, “We are yet to pay special attention to the youths because remember we say they are the future and a good nursery means a good professional future for the sport. So it’s all about making sure that we design a system to attract youths to the sport and do so meaningfully.”
Appointed National coach Wincel Thomas will be overlooking the competition over the next six months which Blake, who is also a coach, believes will be a mission completed.
“I think that the programme will be a success and we will achieve our goal which is to encourage young persons to take up boxing and not only participate, but also do so with a passion.
Right now the tournament is sponsored by GABA and the Ministry of Sport and we are still open to other persons or companies who might want to come on board,” Blake mentioned.