… Keevin Allicock cops Olympic scholarship

THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will be implementing a reward system for champions of each elite division at the National Open. This was revealed by GBA president Steve Ninvalle yesterday.
Ninvalle said that his organisation is committed to rewarding champions in each of the divisions as it is believed it is the right way to go.

“In this day and age rewards are important. Research has shown that incentives increase performance and can act as motivator. The executive of GBA is of the view that despite our constraints we need to find a way to reward our top fighters. In view of this there will be rewards given to elite champions of each division of the National Open,” Ninvalle said.
“Persons who gravitate towards boxing usually come from depressed communities in Guyana and any incentive would be welcomed. At this time GBA will only be able to provide this reward in the elite category of the National Open but the future plan is to have it done at all three statutory events,” he added.

Ninvalle did not divulge what form the incentives would take but he confirmed that it did not exclude monetary. “What I can confirm is that it will be an inclusive package and takes us one step above where we were when we inherited the sport. If you ask for my personal opinion I would say it’s a wonderful idea but will be better when implemented,” Ninvalle added.
GBA has three statutory events in each calendar year – Andrew Lewis National Novice, Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate and the Terrence Alli National Open. The advent of COVID-19 has resulted in none of the three being held this year.

Guyana is ranked as one of the top countries in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, the GBA president disclosed that top Caribbean bantamweight Keevin Allicock has received an Olympic Solidarity Scholarship.
Ranked number 19 in the world, Allicock picked up the Scholarship after Guyana Olympic Association and GBA held discussions. The scholarship is tailored to provide assistance in preparation for the Olympic Qualifier and Olympics.

“We want to thank the president of GOA, Mr K. Juman-Yassin, Mr Garfield Wilshire and the entire executive of GOA for making this scholarship a reality. “
Earlier this year Allicock, Colin Lewis, Desmond Amsterdam and Dennis Thomas had a three-month preparation stint in Cuba leading up to the scheduled April Olympic Qualifier. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the event.