The National boxing team departed to Trinidad yesterday to compete at the fifth annual Caribbean Boxing Championships.
The goal?
To return with the coveted team championship following the conclusion of the event on Sunday.
Following months of grueling preparation, a formidable 13-member outfit inclusive of sisters Abiola and Alesha Jackman, Caribbean champions, Keevin Allicock, Colin Lewis and Desmond Amsterdam was selected to represent the Golden Arrowhead.
The sisters will be making their international debuts when the championships kicks off today.
Once victorious, the national team will retain their country honors earned last year when the fixture was hosted here.
Last year, host, Guyana finished atop the medal table with 10 gold medals following the conclusion of the four-night championships which was previously held in Barbados and St Lucia.
President of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle gave the pugilists a vote of confidence to this publication shortly before the contingent departed.
“Even though our team is depleted, we know we have youngsters who are committed to the cause. The ambivalence surrounding their participation has created a psychological glitch but physically, I think the team is fully prepared.”
Ninvalle added “Each and every member of the 13-member squad is competent of earning a gold medal and they have two experienced coaches with them and we will see how the points go down.”
The team will be coached by Terrence Poole and Sebert Blake.
Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission on Tuesday handed over a cheque in the sum of one million dollars to the association. Funds were provided to ensure the federation’s participation at the championships.
Some 20 territories including Spanish speaking countries are set to participate in the championships.
Those countries are Cuba, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
The full boxing contingent is as follows: Colin Lewis, Keevin Allicock, Desmond Amsterdam, Dennis Thomas, Julius Kesney, Daren France, Kevin Hunt, Mark Crawford, Richard Howard, Abiola Jackman, Alesha Jackman, Emanuel Pompey and Kevin McKenzie.
