The Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) will receive a shot in the arm early next month when the United States Embassy donates a quantity of boxing gear to aid in the development of the sport.
GABA president Steve Ninvalle said it has engaged in discussions with Public Affairs Officer at the Embassy Tabatha Fairclough about ways it can support the development of the local Simon Pures.
“We sat and we discussed how the Embassy can support boxing,” Ninvalle said, adding that “it is likely that in the near future they will be handing over some equipment which will be given to gyms across the country.” He said the donation is also expected to include literature and advice on how boxers can acquire scholarships.
“We are going to receive punching bags, mouth guards, speed bags, gloves and other equipment. The embassy also plans on giving us some literature and they are also talking to the boxers of how it is possible to get scholarships and so forth,” Ninvalle said. The donation is likely to happen at the Andrew Six Head Lewis Gym on December 7.
Ninvalle said the GABA executive is elated by the support from the US mission and it hopes that other entities will emulate this example. He said boxing has brought Guyana much pride and credit in the world and GABA hopes other groups demonstrate their support for the sport.
The GABA boss thanked the Embassy for their support which he said was a first under his tenure. “We want to say a heartfelt thank you to the Embassy of the United States to even be thinking about doing something in this nature because for us this is a first time for our executive, we are willing to accept whatever support that we can get as equipment is always needed in boxing, gyms across this country sometimes operate on their minimum and this would be a very good injection.”
In an invited comment, Fairclough said the Embassy is “sending a message to sportsmen and women that they will be rewarded once they strive to be developed individuals.”
