Latest update November 15th, 2024 1:00 AM
Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym re-commissioned after renovation works
Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, Frank Anthony, Director of Sports, Neil Kumar, GABA President, Steve Ninvalle and GABA Secretary, Seon Richmond stand before the renovated toilet, bath and dressing room moments after the gym was the commissioned
Boxers of the Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym (HEBG) would resume training at a spanking new facility following the formal re-opening of the Albouystown based gym yesterday morning. The gym had undergone a month long closure after Vice President of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA), Maurice Rajkumar, had donated the necessary funds to facilitate renovation works to the ablution area, ring and general workout areas.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Frank Anthony delivered key remarks shortly after Director of Youth and Sports as well as President of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association; Neil Kumar and Steve Ninvalle had delivered respective short remarks.
Mr. Anthony lauded the works of the carpenters as well as the input of Mr. Rajkumar while pointing out that the project complemented the objectives of his Ministry. He said that the ascension of Mr. Ninvalle to the Presidential seat of GABA has come as a breath of fresh air. He further noted the vibrancy exhibited by the entire executive body of GABA saying that such militancy can only auger well for the sport.
“The GABA executive is only recently installed and already there is tangible evidence of their vibrancy,” Minister Anthony said. He mentioned Ninvalle’s countrywide visits to the many gyms and the action taken so far to provide the type of environment and facilities conducive to the boxers’ development.
“This (the Harpy Eagle’s Boxing Gym) might not be the ideal facility but it is surely a huge difference from its initial dismal state,” the Minister noted. He also intimated that following Mr. Ninvalle’s visit to the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym in Berbice, his Ministry had decided to provide accommodation for boxers training there. The Minister said that the conditions under which the boxers were training was deplorable and necessitated immediate action. As such, the boxers would be re-sited to a Government building in the Smithfield area.
He also reminded those in attendance that he has approved the necessary funding for the installment of a national boxing coach. Mr. Anthony then promised to provide full gears for at least 6 boxers of the HEBG. The Minister also donated the trophies for the winners and presented 20 lucky children from the ghetto with lunch.
Ninvalle was also loud in praise of Mr. Rajkumar and urged the boxers to take good care of the gift. He said that his team of executives is currently engaged in discussions towards the improvement of the amateur boxing fraternity. “This is the first step of a long journey,” said Ninvalle.
Meanwhile, Director of Youth and Sports, Neil Kumar said that he was extremely impressed with the Ninvalle’s enthusiasm. He further complimented Mr. Rajkumar for his selfless donation. “Mr. Rajkumar is an action oriented individual and we need more like him in our society,” complimented the Director of Youth and Sports. “I would like to see the Harpy Eagles become one of, or even the best gym in the country,” Kumar concluded.
Secretary of the GABA, Sean Richmond also added his voice in congratulating Mr. Rajkumar. He said that his organization recognized the need to render support to the boxers and that executives were working assiduously to attain this goal. “As we continue in our efforts to improve your circumstances, I wish to urge you to make good use of the facility,” Richmond concluded.
Several other persons and groups were also singled out for their input and included Max Messiah, who had donated the signboard with the gym’s logo, Michael Kanhai of Kanhai’s Electrical on Regent Street, Hemraj Kissoon of AH&L Kissoon Ltd, Imran Azeeze General Store of Mon Repos and Abase Farouk, who donated the water tank. Several other notable boxing affiliates were also present at the function and included President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control, Peter Abdool, boxing promoters Keith Bazilio and Herman Harris as well as referee Eon Jardine.
Pastor Stanford Telford, a resident of the Albouystown community said prayers at the closing of the ceremony. (Michael Benjamin)
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