PRESIDENT of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, recently disclosed that a Guyanese team is scheduled to make its inaugural run at the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Youth World Boxing Championships, which is billed for April 10-24 in Kielce, Poland.

With the astonishing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, even the president has his doubts about the team attending the event. However, he reiterated that the association is exploring every option to make Guyana’s inaugural participation possible.

Less than three weeks remain for the four-member team that includes 2019 Caribbean Gold Medallist Abiola Jackman, along with Mark Crawford, Richard Howard Jr. and Emmanuel Pompey. Elton Chase has been named as the manager while Lennox Allen has been tasked with the coaching aspect.

Ninvalle disclosed, “We are now trying to see all the Covid protocols and when we can tie that down, then we will make the travelling arrangements. But it is good thing for them to go out to the World Championships and test their skills. All of these guys are either the best in the Caribbean or number two.”

The president further stated that he expects the team to arrive in Poland on or before April 8, giving them just two days to be acclimatised. This, he said, would not be a best-case scenario but they have to work within Covid’s confines.

<<Poland’s pandemic position>>
Meanwhile, Poland was absolutely rattled by the pandemic and the effects have forced the country into a state of lockdown as the infection surges.

The country has suffered a staggering 49,441 deaths since the pandemic commenced and currently has a whopping 260,000 active cases. Poland has the highest new daily rates of Covid cases since November 2020.

However, despite the lockdown, AIBA continues to forge ahead with the hosting of the event. An AIBA team recently visited Kielce to inspect the venue, hotels and logistical organisation for the upcoming Youth World Boxing Championships.

The Championships will be held under the motto “Protect yourself and others at all times”, noting safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tournament is set to be held at the Hala Legionow Sports Complex, which has a seating capacity of 3,000.