THE Guyana Amateur Boxing Association(GABA) emphasis on its nursery of boxing has been given a shot in the arm as top Georgetown private school Chase Academy, has offered a scholarship to a young pugilist.

This was disclosed yesterday by GABA president Steve Ninvalle who indicated that after formal talks with Administrator/Principal of the institution, Henry Chase, the latter “graciously and unhesitatingly” accepted the association’s proposal.
Chase Academy will make the scholarship available to a young boxer participating in the upcoming International Schoolboys and Juniors tournament.
GABA has planned the Caribbean’s first Schoolboys and Juniors tournament for April 29 and 30 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
“If we are to have better athletes, then the emphasis must be academics and sports. It is only through such a marriage that the full potential of our sportsmen and women can be realised,” Ninvalle declared.
The GABA head noted that it is not the first time that Chase Academy, which has a prominent and strong sports programme, has assisted young sportspersons.
“We have observed Mr. Chase’s magnanimity over the years and are heartened by his decision to assist the boxing fraternity. My personal hope is that this creates the catalyst which allows for more civic- minded persons to come on board.”
According to Ninvalle, the modalities of the scholarship would be worked out depending on the age of the selected boxer. In recent times, Chase Academy has been dominating the country at schools cricket and football.
Next month’s competition has attracted interest across CARICOM, as there has been a paucity of action in the Region’s junior department. So far Barbados, Jamaica and St Lucia have confirmed participation.
GABA has named a 40-man squad to train for possible selection to represent this country in the competition.