THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is showering Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton with praise for his initiative in ensuring hinterland fighters be given an equal opportunity as their counterparts on the mainland.

Thanks to Dr Norton who is also responsible for Sport, the GBA was able to send Orlondo ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers to Region 9, where over the course of one week, he was able to train over 50 young fighters, inclusive of two females, in the basic of the sport.

“The GBA is happy that the minister could embrace the initiative and he would’ve without hesitation, having the coach in the region. It says that we would be able to tap into hidden talent in Region 9 and we have always said that we have gotten a chance to see some of our best athletes because of the lack of resources” said president of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle.

Ninvalle said the GBA is also exploring the possibility of opening a gym in Region 9 to afford fighters there a chance to compete at the National Championships.

“The GBA salutes and applaud Dr Norton for acting swiftly on this when approached, since this fits well into our boxing decentralizing programme” Ninvalle stated.

Rogers, who hails from Linden and operates the Pocket Rocket Gym, expressed his delight to be given the opportunity by the GBA, and also thanked Minister Norton for allowing him the chance to possibly produce the country’s next top fighter.

“What I realise is the interior have the talent when it comes to sports and I was able to reach the youths of Lethem and some other villages around” Rogers highlighted.