GBA boosts Republican Boxing Gym programme with equipment donation

Jun 04, 2026 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has taken another significant step in its efforts to revive boxing within the nation’s prison system, with President Steve Ninvalle on Wednesday handing over a quantity of boxing equipment to the Republican Boxing Gym.

The presentation was made to former national champion and current prison boxing coach Wincel Thomas, who was accompanied by Prison Officer Adrian Thomas, as preparations intensify for the return of the Republican Boxing Gym to national competition.

The donation is expected to play a crucial role in helping the prison-based gym prepare for next month’s National Novices Championships, where it is set to make its first appearance after a lengthy hiatus from the local boxing scene.

GBA boosts Republican Boxing Gym programme with equipment donation

GBA president Steve Ninvalle hands over equipment to prison Coach Wincel ‘Nacka’ Thomas while Prison Officer Adrian Thomas looks on.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Ninvalle said the equipment would provide much-needed support for a programme that has historically played an important role in rehabilitation and reform within the prison system.

“This equipment will certainly go a long way in helping to re-establish a very important arm of the Guyana Boxing Association. The prison boxing programme has always been more than competition; it has been about reform, discipline and creating opportunities for individuals to positively transform their lives,” Ninvalle stated.

The presentation forms part of a broader initiative being spearheaded by the GBA under Ninvalle’s leadership to reintroduce organised boxing within the nation’s correctional facilities.

Recently, the Association renewed efforts to revive prison boxing through a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, headed by the Honourable Oneidge Walrond.

The initiative followed a meeting between Ninvalle and Minister Walrond, during which both parties discussed the reintegration of boxing as a key component of the Ministry’s wider prison reform and rehabilitation agenda.

The move represents a return to a programme that previously delivered tangible results by using sport as a vehicle for personal development and rehabilitation.

Ninvalle described his discussions with the Minister as productive and encouraging, noting that her professional background as an Attorney-at-Law and former Magistrate allowed for a shared understanding of the positive impact sport can have on inmates.

“It was a very engaging and meaningful discussion,” Ninvalle stated, adding, “Minister Walrond fully understands the role sport can play in reforming lives, particularly within the prison system, and she was very receptive to the idea of bringing boxing back as a structured and impactful programme.”

“We’ve had success stories of boxing in the prisons and how much the sport has helped to transform the lives of those behind bars upon their release. Many of them are still involved in the sport,” Ninvalle said.

Despite producing several success stories over the years, the prison boxing programme experienced numerous challenges that eventually led to its dormancy.

The GBA is now seeking to reverse that trend with renewed governmental support and a structured development plan.

Importantly, he stressed that the return of prison boxing must be viewed primarily as a rehabilitation initiative.

“We want the prison boxing programme to be seen as a genuine reform initiative, one that gives individuals a second chance, a sense of purpose, and a pathway back into society. Prison should not represent the end of life’s opportunities, but rather a point where meaningful change can begin,” he explained.

According to Ninvalle, Minister Walrond has pledged the Ministry’s full support for the programme and is committed to establishing the structures necessary for its long-term sustainability.

“The Minister was very clear in her support. She is keen on putting the framework in place not only for participation at the Novices Championships, but also for long-term development, ensuring that inmates benefit from coaching, mentorship, and other GBA programmes,” Ninvalle added.

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Boxing Gym, GBA, Republican Boxing Gym

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