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From the USA with Love…Local boxing gyms benefit from largesse of American Embassy
By Michael Benjamin
Local history is replete with amateur boxers that have toiled selflessly, in the process procuring lucrative accolades for Guyana. Nevertheless, boxing administrators have bemoaned the lukewarm type of support rendered towards their continued development.
Despite this, executives of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA), remained optimistic of a change of fortunes and yesterday afternoon might have hit pay dirt when the Ambassador of the United States of America, Brent Hardt and other staff members of the US Embassy, journeyed to the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG),
The significant touching of the gloves by Ambassador of the United States of America, Brent Hardt (2nd left) and President of GABA, Steve Ninvalle (2nd right) signals the new partnership and donation as Odinga Lumumba (right) and Minister Frank Anthony look on.A small portion of the donated gear are on the table in the foreground.
Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, and handed over a set of boxing gears to President of GABA, Steve Ninvalle, to aid in the development of local pugilists.
The items include boxing gloves, groin protectors, punching bags, hand wraps and mouth guards among others and Mr. Hardt presented the gift in the presence of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Frank Anthony and government official, Odinga Lumumba.
Mr. Hardt noted that boxing is a ‘sweet science’ while pointing out its relevance in the development of young people even as they engage in productive activity. He referred to the American society where hundreds of thousands of young men and women have viewed the sport as the catalyst to personal development. He also made mention of Muhammad Ali, who has earned the sobriquet ‘The Greatest’ and who had that emblem properly conformed upon him during the World Boxing Council’s 50th Convention in Mexico City last week.
The American ambassador said a police officer noticed that Ali was crying and enquired of the reason. Ali had related that someone had stolen his bicycle. He told the officer that he wanted to learn to fight and consequently enrolled in a boxing gym. The rest is now history.
Mr. Hardt pointed out that this episode underlines the ability of the sport to positively influence the lives of participants. “I am also aware that Guyana has produced many outstanding fighters,” he said while singling out former World Boxing Association welterweight champion, Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis and 1980 Moscow Olympics bronze medalist, Michael Parris. While the latter boxer was notably absent from the proceedings, the former pugilist made a late entry and interacted with the members of the head table and later on, his colleagues.
Mr. Hardt further noted that boxers are positioned to learn skills critical to self growth even as they maintain discipline, enhance their self confidence and build strong characters. “It is my fervent hope that this gift leads to the establishment of a closer relationship and cooperation (with the GABA) and I await positive feedback,” exhorted Mr. Hardt.
Mr. Ninvalle viewed the occasion as a significant milestone saying that to his recollection this is the first time in the history of the sport that GABA has been able to foster such relations with the Americans. He also shares the view that boxing has paid its dues to the nation and is deserving of such support. “This gift will certainly help us as we negotiate the rocky road ahead,” assured the GABA boss.
He later revealed that the gears would be shared among three gyms, the ALBG, Rose Hall Jammers of Rose Hall Berbice and Michael Carryl Boxing Gym, Linden.
Mr. Anthony was also pleased with the gift and told Mr. Hardt just so. He said that government had realized that boxing was worthy enough of investment and acted accordingly. He said that his government has installed the necessary elements to foster continued development of the sport. He cited regular competition and special focus on the nursery. Mr. Anthony also pointed out that government has invested in the services of a Cuban coach who is currently in Guyana on an initial one year attachment. He said that he was indeed grateful for the assistance rendered by the Americans. “We envisage that this kind of partnership will foster development and we anticipate that this will be a fruitful relationship,” concluded Mr. Anthony.
Shortly after the handing over ceremony, the ambassador and his team were taken on a conducted tour of the facility and entertained when the nation’s Simon Pures engaged in several rounds of fistic fury.
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