The Barbados Boxing Association (BBA) is committed to keeping young men and women engaged in positive activities.
This was expressed by Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith at the launch of the “Ohana Gloves Over Guns” project, held recently at the Belfield Sports Complex, St. Michael.
He lauded the BBA for the initiative which will use boxing as a vehicle to engage the youth in the Black Rock Community and surrounding areas, while also advocating peace.
“With the senseless killing we are seeing on the island, the Government and the national federations have a duty to ensure we reach into the community and have persons engaged in sports. I hope this initiative grows and spreads,” Minister Griffith stated.
He added: “We see sport as the great equalizer and an opportunity to engage the youngsters who otherwise would not be involved in structured activity, I’m hoping other national federations can take a leaf from what boxing is doing and utilize it to make sure those youngsters involved find a way to make boxing their own. As Minister, I will do everything to ensure the success of boxing.”
The launch showcased a sparring match between 24-year-old Tiffany Delice who has been boxing for four years and was introduced to the sport by a friend, and 12-year-old Malachi Estwick, a boxer of three years, who saw the sport and just liked it.
Training will be held on Mondays and Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Administrator of the Ohana project and BBA official, Kathy Harper-Hall, urged Minister Griffith to review the reinstatement of the Barbados Boxing Board, as it was needed to represent the interest of boxers in Barbados. (FB/GIS)
