Guyana’s contingent returned home to a hero’s welcome yesterday from the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament (CDBT) which was staged in Barbados.
The boxers, who punched their way to 11 medals, 10 gold and one silver during the five-day championship, were greeted at the VIP Lounge of the Eugene. F. Correia International Airport by well-wishers who included Minister Nicolette Henry, president of the Guyana Olympic Association, K Juman Yassin, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle.
Henry, who has responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, congratulated the outfit while reiterating government’s support for youth and sports development.
“We believe that our athletes should not be second class citizens and the government is committed to investing in you athletes. We have resources and we will invest in our young people and I am certain it will pay dividends.
“This is great experience for all of us and I thank you all for making Guyana proud and flying the flag high and I trust that we can continue to work together to be the best that you can be,” Henry added.
Juman-Yassin, who said he was heartened by the performances of the pugilists, in the same breath congratulated Ninvalle and his executive for championing the 100-mile walk to raise funds for the Simon Pures. He then promised that once the boxers continue their success, “The GOA whether I am there or not together with the government, we will ensure that we have funds for you.”
The GOA head reiterated that his aim is to see local sportsmen and women work full time on their craft and not have to worry about working and training.
“We are getting some funding of which I think we can manage to do this,” he said which should augur well for standout athletes. Meanwhile, a proud and smiling Ninvalle described the boxers’ performances as historic.
“We sent 11 boxers and each and every one of them returned with a medal, 10 gold medals and a silver. I think this is our most memorable occasion, it’s historic, I don’t think that we have ever done so good at a Caribbean tournament.
“These guys have proven what we have been saying all along, they are the best in the Caribbean and I dare say we are the best anywhere if we are given the facilities and the resources, we have proven that.
“We have taken the first step by winning the Caribbean Championship, we need to go to Latin America and win there then further afield to the Olympic Qualifiers and then to the Olympics.”
Ninvalle then thanked those who supported and the coaching staff for making the sojourn a resounding success.
