Latest update April 17th, 2025 9:50 AM
GBA acknowledges support in commendation ceremony
Less than one hour after closing off the fiscal year of activities with the GBA/DDL Gatorade/Pepsi/Diamond Mineral Water, U-16 Boxing
Mr. Ninvalle (right) is all smiles as he presents Kaieteur News Sports journalist, Michael Benjamin with the Best Journalist award.
Championship at the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym, Independence Boulevard, last evening, officials of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) hosted an awards ceremony where several of their affiliates received tokens of commendation for their input into the development of the sport.
President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, presided over the ceremony and noted that it has been a number of years since his organization has hosted a similar initiative. He said that though there have been some bright moments during the year much more could have been achieved had his officials and members employed more diligence to their efforts.
“Notwithstanding, I would like to commit myself to work harder with my fellow executives to fulfill our promises and create a better environment to foster improvement of our boxers,” said Ninvalle.
He said that already his executives are planning their itinerary for the next fiscal year and in February teams from Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica will visit to engage in combat with local pugilists. Í have had discussions with (President of the GOA), Juman Yassin who has since asked that we send a proposal for consideration,” intimated Ninvalle.
He also revealed that International Boxing Association coach, James Beckles is due in Guyana early next month to conduct a 4 day workshop for local officials. Ninvalle also had special words for his referees and judges that have contributed immensely to the sustenance of the sport. “I wish to acknowledge your selfless commitment which has served to keep boxing on an even keel over the years,” he said.
Mr. Poole joined his President in extending gratitude to members of the corporate community for their commitment; “We hope that you will continue to render similar support as we continue with our developmental plan,” he said.
Meanwhile, the list of awardees read: Journalist of the Year, Michael Benjamin, Best junior boxer, Jamal Eastman of the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym while Imran Khan was adjudged the Best senior boxer and received the Ceon Bristol trophy.
The award for the best youth boxer went to Michael April of the Tigereye Boxing Gym (TEBG) while Germain Craig clinched the award for the best referee/judge. The most disciplined referee/judge went to George Moore while National Coach, Wensel Thomas was adjudged the best in his category.
The Essequibo Boxing Gym was voted the most disciplined institution while GDF boxer, Desmond Amsterdam won the most improved boxer award after winning the three major championships of the year (Novices, Intermediate and Open competitions). The best junior gym award went to Harpy Eagles while the GDF copped the award for the best senior gym.
Sebert Blake’s historic feat where he earned a Diploma in Sports Science and Boxing Specifics at the Semmelweis University in Hungary did not go unnoticed and he received a special award while Terrence Poole’s versatility as a coach, Technical Director and organizer of bouts earned him a special award.
Several entities resolutely stuck with the GBA and contributed to their programmes and received commendations for this.
They include the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Boxing Board of Control and the Guyana Prison Service.
Several corporate entities also received commendations for their input into the development of the sport including DDL, Ansa McAl, Courts, National Sports Commission, GOA, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
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