Defection marred an excellent year of boxing achievements

Dec 30, 2010 Sports

President Steve Ninvalle (centre) and Coach Terrence Poole (2nd right) is flanked by the boxers who absconded (from left) Clevon Rock, Dexter Jordan and Devon Boatswain.

GABA President pledges to continue developmental programmes

By Michael Benjamin

The holding of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) coupled with the installment of a new President, supported by participation in several international tournaments and the acquisition of several bronze medals at those tournaments had placed the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) in line for special commendations until three of the country’s top pugilists chose to defect at the JFK International Airport, USA, while on the stopover leg of their trip from the Commonwealth Games in India.
These were some of the activities that highlighted a year of bitter sweet experiences and created immense challenges for the newly elected executive of GABA as they attempted to charter a course for the advancement of local amateur pugilists.
Notwithstanding the defection, President of the GABA, Steve Ninvalle remains adamant that local amateur boxers possess the requisite acumen, and with expert tutelage, could convert domestic accomplishments into international accolades.
Ninvalle made this and other disclosures when he spoke with Kaieteur Sport via telephone yesterday morning. He said that the defection of three of the country’s top pugilists could be considered as the low point of an otherwise productive, event packed year.
He elaborated on the incident, “It was not merely about the monetary investment or the quality time lost after these boxers disappeared,” Ninvalle reiterated. “It is just that GABA had invested scarce resources in these boxers who we considered to be the best available locally,” he said.
Mr. Ninvalle further disclosed that the three defectors were identified to represent Guyana at the 2012 Olympics. “Indeed, such plans had to be aborted and we are now working with the resources available to nurture the present crop to the requisite standard for Olympics participation,” said Mr. Ninvalle.
He boasted that his executives were able to make inroads into the developmental plans despite the many challenges.
Further, the GABA boss remains adamant that his team had risen to the many challenges while demonstrating grit and determination.
He acknowledged the input of corporate Guyana saying that despite the economic hardships the executives were able to woo several members of the business community on board.
“We recognize the economic challenges these business persons endure and are especially grateful that they found the grace to support our programmes,” said Mr. Ninvalle.
Three entities that were singled out for special commendations in this department are beverage giants, Ansa McAl, businessman, Roger Hinds, boxing promoter, Ceon Bristol and the Ministry of Sports and Culture. “Also, the input of the Government must not be ignored,” concluded Mr. Ninvalle.
Mr. Ninvalle spoke highly of his hard working executives whose efforts resulted in the successful staging of an U-15 tournament, a deficiency over the years.
To this effect, he is confident that his team of executives would rise to the challenges in 2011 in their bid to provide qualitative competition for the local boxers. The coaches were also praised for their splendid work that resulted in three local pugilists, Dexter Jordon, Ray Sandiford and Devon Boatswain winning bronze medals at the Central American and Caribbean games in Puerto Rico.
Further, the GABA President lauded the efforts of members of the finance committee for their strenuous work that resulted in the encampment of several boxers preparing for overseas assignments.
“Added to these accomplishments GABA also completed its planned itinerary for the fiscal year while welcoming two gyms out of Berbice, the Central Boxing Gym and the Rosehall Boxing Gym, into its folds.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ninvalle envisages a tough year of activities for the local boxers even as he remains confident of their ability to face these challenges.
He lauded the input of the President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control, Peter Abdool whose ProAm initiative ensured that the boxers secured constant and worthwhile activity at the end of each month.
“The GABA executive welcomed the ProAm initiative with open arms since it provided increased activity for the boxers,” assured Mr. Ninvalle.
He also pointed out that the frequency of the cards ensured that the boxers engage in a sustained training schedule even as they retain a high level of fitness.
Meanwhile, GABA executives are anticipating a packed itinerary this year starting as early as February with the traditional Novices Championship.
This will be followed by the National Intermediate and subsequently the National Open championships.
Ninvalle also said that his executives are eying several international tournaments this year including the Pan American championships scheduled for 13-30 October in Mexico, the Commonwealth Youth tournament in the Isle of Man from September 7-13; the world junior Championships in Kazakhstan from July 22-31 and the Women Youth and Junior World Championships in Turkey from April 30-May 8.
The itinerary of activities gets underway proper in February with a refresher course facilitated by a Trinidadian IABA qualified coach for several local coaches. Mr. Ninvalle said that the initiative is aimed at sharpening the knowledge base of local coaches in order to minimize inefficiency when officiating.